Don’t underestimate the importance of exclusivity and confidentiality to candidates. In a tight knit market/sector, it is imperative a prospective hire feels safe within the interviewing process. Read More »

  What should a company consider when choosing between a retained search firm and a contingency firm? Why should a company pay a portion of a fee ahead of time when there are plenty of agencies willing to take the risk of a search on for free? Having transitioned to retained search over the past few years, I often find the first line of resistance is to do with cost. Cost is a component for consideration in any search process, but the differential is the value. When you put a contingency agency to work on a search, it’s wait and hope with no commitment or skin in the game on either side. Often there will be an initial flurry of … Read More »

Lately I’ve been running into a lot of roles that have been under retainers with search firms whose recognizable names draw surprise when you hear a C level role remains open and unfilled for six months or more. Now why is this, you wonder. How can any firm that charges premium fees and staggering retainers, with deep resources and national connections not fulfill a straightforward C level role in a small to mid cap market in Southern California? Maybe because bigger isn’t always better. And a big name isn’t always a winner. Ultimately a recruiter, any recruiter from large firm or small, retained or contingency has to respect the fiduciary responsibility to the client. When a top tier firm appears … Read More »

  After a tedious search, you’ve found your number one candidate. He’s experienced in your space, he fits your culture, his references rock. There’s just a few hitches in the way. Your two biggest competitors want him too. One’s already made an offer and the other is about to (and probably holding out till you make your move). His current employer, recently acquired, also has a place for him in the new company. Oh – and he doesn’t know what the severance agreement is, but that should be forthcoming in a few weeks time. What’s an employer to do? This is a very real and often probable scenario in a competitive employment market for in demand candidates. Interestingly, the outcome … Read More »

Belated New Year’s greetings faithful and new readers! The last few quarters saw incredible growth in the sectors I support, culminating in another great year. I had the pleasure of a little year end travel to prepare me for the onslaught of the coming months ahead. I anticipate another fast paced period of growth and opportunity. I’m rested and ready to roll! Going forward, it would be nice to see more resolve regarding ethical behavior this year. I’d also like to see more courtesy, thoughtfulness and regards to people’s roles in other people’s lives. As a recruiter, we are often on the receiving end of bad behavior. Part of it is the industry’s fault, i.e. being perceived as money grubbing … Read More »

I’m going to go off the reservation with today’s blog. In light of the midterm elections and the continuing focus on immigration and nationalism, I want to pen a few thoughts on Americanism. Recently, two Latin American friends took their US citizenship exam. Their excitement and nerves prior to testing was very touching. They were equally worried about passing and were very humbled and grateful when they did. The both came to America legally, work and pay taxes and wish to be part of the American dream. It got me to thinking about how important it is for me to be an American. How, even when – no, especially when, I disagree with my government, as I so often do, … Read More »

I have a new client who needs help; specifically my type of help. The type of client who is sophisticated, holds high expectations and demands results. Yet, this very same client doesn’t know how to hire. Certainly knows how to recognize a great looking resume, but struggles to determine fit.  The sophisticated, well educated executive, is gifted at what they do, but that doesn’t necessarily transfer into knowing how to recognize the right hire for their organization. Or recognize what they need versus what they think they want. This is where I come in. What makes a good headhunter a great matchmaker? It’s certainly not just running ads, matching resumes and setting up interviews. No way we’re going to continuously … Read More »

I never assume I can do my clients job. However, I can practically guarantee I can locate and recruit a candidate who can! So it behooves me when a client insists through actions or words that they can do what I do, do it better and oh, by the way, it’s not that hard. I’m not sure why they assume I wouldn’t be insulted. After all, I’ve been perfecting my craft for over twenty-five years, have closed countless deals, for countless clients over countless invested hours. It can’t possibly be because I make it look easy. That after they’ve finally given up the candidate search, after weeks of screening, interviewing, turned down offers and counters, I can come up with … Read More »

I had the honor last evening of attending the San Diego Athena, Pinnacle Awards. I was invited by my friend and colleague, Jennifer Crittenden, former CFO and author of now two career focused books, The Discreet Guide for Executive Women and her latest, You, not I: Exceptional Presence. Can’t wait to read my new signed copy! Jennifer is a Pinnacle award nominee and deservedly so. Athena San Diego is a non-profit organization focused on mentoring and advancing women in technology through education and mentoring opportunities. The first thing that struck me this evening as I walked into the networking portion of the event was the color. No drab, gray suit wearing, thinning haired, bespectacled network event, this. On the contrary, … Read More »

OK, so I know I’m a recruiter, but after seeing countless ‘Top  10 Things I Hate’ headlines, I realize a little recruiter introspection is in order. Sure, we see what in-house HR hates about us, which is most everything, but how about those of us who are in the trenches on the dark side. There’s a reason getting new business is often an uphill battle, and you know what? It isn’t the fees! It’s pretty much what the recruiting agency has done to sabotage itself. Now, those of you who follow my postings, might think this might be another “Recruiter Pet Peeves’  blog, but to the contrary, I think these are universally despised agency tactics and behaviors many of us … Read More »