Why I Started Taking Calls from Recruiters
Christina Rever Stroud
When I was a Human Resources Executive in manufacturing, I rolled my eyes when my phone lit up with a recruiting agency’s number on the display. In addition to having strong recruiters on my team, I already had two agencies that I would tap from time to time. Plus – I DISLIKE sales pitches. Meaning – I really dislike sales pitches. Sometimes I would get a voice mail from a recruiter asking to return the call. Are they crazy? Why would I take my time to call someone back just to hear a sales pitch?
My perspective started to change while having lunch with an industry colleague. She had just taken a new position. Interested in hearing how things were going for her, I asked about her biggest surprise over the course of the transition. Her response was not one I expected. She found that her company had used the same recruiting agency for years and they had not shopped the market for a better partner in a long time. Plus, the agency they were using was very large and more known for their temp services than their Executive placements.
Their recruiting partner was not a great match for who they were. They did a good job, but they were not motivated to go above and beyond for her company. I went back to work and started accepting calls from recruiters. You can guess what happened – I replaced one of the two I used with a smaller, more boutique company and I developed a remarkable relationship with my contact.
Fast forward to today. I am a recruiter who loves my job. I started thinking about my current clients and why we work well together. I even called them and asked. The common denominator: I treat them like family. I look out for their best interest.
So why should someone accept a call from a Recruiter?
Here is what I learned:
· It keeps your current recruiting agency honest. Are they doing a great job? Awesome! But why not see if their rate and service are competitive?
· Different agencies have different tools. You should utilize one that has multiple tools, as well as great connections. Your partner should be able to find passive candidates – not just ones who announce they are looking for a new job.
· There are agencies whose headhunters come from industry. They understand your business and they speak your language. These recruiters will take the time to understand what you really need – not just what is written in the job description.
· Connecting with recruiters may help you personally. You never know when you will need to call on them for your own search when you are looking for recruiting advice or are asking for an introduction to one of their connections.
Do I suggest that you accept all calls from Recruiters?
Nope! I would suggest that you take the initial call and set up an appointment to chat for 15 minutes. Before the appointment, look up the recruiter on LinkedIn and determine if their background and company is someone you think you might want to get to know. Then have a conversation. Or two. If it goes well, why not give them a job search and see how they do? It is relatively easy to give them a shot and you might be pleasantly surprised at the results.
Can I help your company with meeting your recruiting and retention challenges? Let me know; I am happy to jump on that first 15-minute phone call.
