Search Clients/Geography for Recruiters

Many times I have heard, "Where are you located?" or "Do you know a recruiter located in our area?"

Clients: " The physical LOCATION of your collaborating search consultant is a non issue."



Does the consultant understand your industry? Or invested the time to research your organization? And understands the requirements for your open position (s)?

These are the issues of importance.

My own niche (fifteen years) as a search consultant for entertainment, events, meetings, exhibits, incentive, agency, film and related industries worldwide, have taken me to global locations for the perfect match. Much of the time with phone contact, at other times with in person meetings. Today our tools so enhance the search process ~~Skype, Google Voice, IPhone apps for these, OH, the list is endless.

Today, for example, I was at an off site location (coffee shop at the beach) for an early phone conference in NY. In a bit, I'll be in Skype conference with two prospective search client executives in London. This global reach is not a new adventure. Prior to the latest communication devices, the geographic location of a search firm, recruiter, consultant were a non issue.

What IS the important issue? ~ Do I understand your need to fill the open position?

Client Culture/The Search for Rhett Butler

OK, a true story. The story relates back to understanding your client culture.

In my opinion, no person can predict the outcome of the "Do we all get along" "Does it feel right" aspect of a search.

A couple of years ago, I secured a new executive search for a senior financial position. After much client consultation, I thought I understood exactly the client's requirements. I was so excited when the first viable candidate I found possessed ALL of the requirements as understood by me~In fact, he and the client contact (Company Prez) were going to be in the same city, same week..I felt as though the Heaven's had parted while terms like "perfect match" "dumb luck," "great timing" were...well, you get the picture The two met, talked for some time. Candidate called me, yes, super position, liked the company vision, let me call you back. So, hmm..I was sort of wondering at this point. He sounded not sure, vague, even.

So, of course next, the client and I connected..Yes, Ma'am, the meeting was fine, candidate was more than qualified, exactly as was described for experience, education, very personable, and all that..HOWEVER...We are a Southern based company with deep Southern roots and he's a YANKEE! We are talking the difference between grits and quiche. This gentleman would feel uncomfortable with in our organization in a matter of days. But you are right on the target with the type of experience we need.

Soooo, I hung up the phone, took a long hot bath, thought about that conversation more when suddenly it dawned on me~~

Ah! I am searching for Rhett Butler with a degree in finance.

The next day, we started from square one with a different attitude. A few days later I was given a was a referral to a possible candidate. He was what I would term an "up and comer." With some reluctance, I placed a call to him, he returned my call. Yes, he was interested in hearing more..Did I detect a faint Southern accent? Yes! We talked at length (of course) about the company, the position, and arranged an interview. The outcome of the meetings led to a filled position, a happy client, a happy employee (still two years later.)

Client Culture. Help me understand all of those nuances about your client culture.

Search Client/Candidate Meeting

WOW! Those seeking positions today are inundated with information about how to do just about everything.

I prefer to focus upon YOU, the company client..

Tip 1:

When we have arrived at the point of presenting candidates for your special search project, by now, I know you, Mr/Ms/ contact client representative. I am informed about your service/product/and "feel" your culture.We have spent much time discussing your need, the why, the how, and when, and the what. Now we have arrived at "The Who"

We have searched a multitude of candidates, talked with many, and many more. We have uncovered all of the known pluses/minus, spent many hours devoted to finding the candidates for your open position. I know you need this position filled yesterday, so now we have arrived at this point..The First Candidate Interview!

Know that the person you are interviewing has read all of your company statictics, is ready to meet with you in person. The presented candidate may be somewhat uptight, so a relaxed tone is good for starters. I have already sent you either a video resume and/or paper, so please have the materials readily available to you. We have an agreement that this material is confidential and accessible to only the participating company officials.

I prefer to think of interviews in a collaborative sense, so the candidate will walk in your door with that feeling (I hope to have imparted this prior) Talk as long as you wish, ask relevent questions, treat the candidate respectfully, and enjoy the meeting. You, as well, relax, be yourself. Describe the company and position from your perspective. Advise my presented candidate what is important to you in filling the position. What sort of day to day responsibilities, what hasn't turned out the way you had expected, what has, etc~~be candid. All the stuff one doesn't read in a job description is good. The feel of the company culture, the real experience day to day.

I will follow up with you as soon as you have given this meeting thoughtful consideration. By this point in time, I will have followed up with the candidate as well to discuss his/her thoughts, feelings, unanswered questions, etc..Remember, the ultimate goal is a "perfect match" for your company and the specific department.

We are just beginning our journey to fill the position at this point. Stay tuned for more information highlights, Mr./Ms. Employer.

A Search Executive Mantra