As a search professional, it’s all too easy to bitch about uncooperative clients, candidates who go dark, the economy and all kinds of real or imagined slights to our overly sensitive egos. So today, I’m going to pay homage to those really great candidates who make my profession a joy and are such a pleasure to work with. I’m not talking about following my lead with blind trust and naivety, either. I’m talking about thoughtful individuals who share a common trait, decency – and decency at all levels, from manager to the C suite. Some traits of the savvy candidate include: Responsiveness Courtesy Professionalism under any circumstance Integrity Consistency I cannot speak enough about a candidate who displays all of … Read More »
Use me –please. You’ve just made the big decision to engage me on a search. It’s for a critical role in your organization. A highly specialized position with a lot of visibility company wide. You’re going to potentially pay me a very large fee and you may have already invested in a retainer to get us started. You have a sense of urgency. So why aren’t you using me to your greatest advantage to maximize the potential for a great hire? Most of the time I believe the days of recruiters sending resumes and waiting for results are over – at least at the senior levels. In my own recruiting world, I am blessed with clients who understand and appreciate … Read More »
I was appalled to hear from an employed candidate recently that another agency recruiter he had been speaking with, submitted his information and resume before obtaining permission from him. In addition, the recruiter set up an interview without prior discussion and the candidate was notified by the company a day prior. If this wasn’t bad enough, the candidate, who graciously accepted the interview, was then made an offer significantly LESS than his current compensation. This, by the way, is a senior level candidate earning well over six figures. For any recruiters reading this, please take heed! It is hard to believe that the same bad tactics employed by unsophisticated agencies 30 years ago, are still being practiced today. That agency … Read More »
It’s the toughest part of any marketing/sales professional’s job. Tracking down and engaging your target client. In a world full of information overload, you cast out the lure hoping for a nibble that turns into a bite. Interesting how even with email, text messaging, Twitter, Linked In, Facebook, et al., communication between individuals is even more cat and mouse than ever. We are all bombarded with promises, solicitations, inquiries and demands. No wonder more and more folks decide to turn off and tune out. The key element for success has always been establishing relationships and building trust. Very hard to do by even the most compelling email messages. People ultimately do business with people they relate to, like and trust … Read More »
As the job market continues to heat up, there’s lots of buzz in social media on how to access, recruit and secure ‘passive’ talent. Couldn’t help but notice the same old claims of the death of the recruiting profession and how social media would funnel interested candidates into a company’s arms through effective branding, internal recruiting, great ads, etc. so they no longer would have to pay those pesky external recruiting fees. It seems I’ve heard claims of the death of my profession before. The rise of Monster.com in the last century specifically comes to mind. BTW, I find it ironic that it’s primarily staffing agencies that advertise on sites like Monster these days. And of course now it’s Linked … Read More »
I had a great conversation with my mentor, Richie Harris, the other day. I blame Richie entirely for my success and tenacity as an Executive Recruiter these past 25 years. Now retired, Richie was a Recruiting Maverick in his time. Often profane, always unique, he was a star player on the sales and marketing search front. He still speaks at industry functions occasionally and his principles still apply. During our wide ranging chat, he asked me if I remembered the three ‘must haves’ of assessing, building and maintaining any relationship. Markedly, he applies these same beliefs towards his business and personal relationships. He reiterated these three guidelines once again – I am always a student when it comes to improving … Read More »
Lately, I’ve spoken with quite a few folks ready to move on from jobs they’ve stayed in because of the recession, or maybe, by necessity have been forced into seeking a new opportunity. In some cases, market conditions drive their careers into a new direction and sometimes they are coming back from a long hiatus due to child rearing or other personal circumstances. The common theme for all and at every level, is how to go about finding the next great opportunity. Timing and luck play a small part, sure. But in a competitive marketplace, trying to compete for opportunities others may seem more qualified for is very frustrating and demotivating. It’s important to understand a recruiter’s role in all … Read More »
So you still think it’s an employer’s market? Unemployment numbers notwithstanding, how long is it taking you Mr. Employer to fill that Controller role? I heard it again today, an employer who thinks the job market is ‘crap’, there are loads of ‘qualified’ people on the market and they will be ‘dying’ to take their job. Now it’s not my place to argue with paying clients (hence my blog), but seriously, are you kidding me? If that really is the case, then why are you ready to pay me a fee and full fee at that? Why is it after over three months, you still can’t find that ‘perfect’ hire yourself who would kill to come on board for your great opportunity? … Read More »
I met Danny Cahill three years ago. He was in Palm Desert running a two day boot camp for seasoned recruiters. Danny was a much appreciated shock to the system in the midst of a burgeoning recession with no end in sight. For those of you not familiar with Danny Cahill, he is the leading coaching guru in the staffing world as well as the CEO for Hobson and Associates Executive Search. Danny was all shock and awe with a whole lot of substance behind his methods. We had some mutual colleagues in the recruiting world and got acquainted over a coffee break. Can’t say I was not in a little in awe of his technique and delivery. Needless to … Read More »
They’re back! Counter offers have made a recovery along with the demand for talent. Always a possibility, they are now a probability when a quality/qualified employees gets a new job offer. I’m not going to re-hash all the reasons not to take a counter offer. We’ve all heard/read them a thousand times throughout our careers. I’ve certainly counseled on the dangers, etc. with practically every candidate (and client) I’ve ever represented. Here I’d like to focus on why and who accepts counter offers. Quite frankly, I can usually predict who’s vulnerable to them and exactly what they’re going to do through the resignation process when the time comes. Of course it’s more likely that a candidate who is generally happy … Read More »
