Start with the business question
Define what management needs to learn. Is the goal future hiring, succession, expansion into a new market, competitor intelligence or an active search?
- One clear decision question
- Defined geography
- Defined role family
Create a role taxonomy before collecting profiles
Different companies use different titles for similar work. A good map groups equivalent and adjacent titles so the market is not artificially narrowed.
- Core titles
- Adjacent titles
- Seniority bands
Prioritize evidence over profile volume
The strongest maps distinguish relevance from mere keyword overlap. Capture the signals that indicate whether a profile may actually fit the capability requirement.
- Relevant operating context
- Scope and ownership
- Transferable background
Turn the map into action
The final output should tell the business what to do next: search now, change the role, expand geography, adjust seniority or build a future pipeline.