The first blog of 2008 and I have to say inspiration finally struck. I have several entries roaming around in my head but this one has escaped. I was so tempted to do a best of 2007 recap with some highlights of stuff – like a greatest hits of interviewing but I wasn’t feelin’ it.
The NFL playoffs hit and the Colts were 1 and done – I am almost over my playoff loss hangover so I was delayed until today – however – here it is a service I am thinking about offering this year – 24 Hour Recruiting Care.
Last Friday morning, I am watching Fox News Channel and the story is on Britney Spears. Before you start the eye rolling – is there any more tragic combo than an idiot with cash? The NBA, Rappers, Pop Tarts that are so important we know them by their first name. Crazy world.
So back to the new concept of 24 Hour Recruiting Care. I didn’t create it – I stole it from this Fox News Story on Britney. The interview is with Stacy Schneider – an attorney who evidently has the solution for Britney Spears and all her drama – 24 Hour Legal Care. At first, I was like sure that would solve her problems. We all need that. She goes on to say she wants Brit to contact her and that she is offering to live with her and provide 24 Hour Legal Care. I think – wait this could work and I could repackage as 24 Hour Recruiting Care with many of the folks I encounter – but what would I offer with this.
The whole amenity package would look something like this (based on the quality feedback I have gotten from my clients – many of these are inspired from actual events) –
Module 1 – Nightly Verbal beatings until your resume is done.
Module 2 – Wardrobe review and an introduction to the world of dry cleaning.
Module 3 – Hobbies not to discuss on an interview – starting with Internet gambling.
Module 4 – How to tell your spouse your job really sucks and that you are interviewing.
Module 5 – How to tell your recruiter what he wants to know – what you are not telling him.
Module 6 – Tattoo and piercing cover-up.
Module 7 – Temporary dismantling of your My Space or Facebook page during interview phase.
Module 8 – Urgency and how to use a work phone, home phone or mobile device to call your recruiter back.
Module 9 – Voice mail greeting review and email names not to send your resume from.
Module 10 – Removing the evidence of bitterness and defensiveness from your vocal tone – avoiding words like hate and pissed when referring to your former employers.
Module 11 – How to blame yourself occasionally.
Module 12 – How to avoid complaining about a Japanese work environment when you are interviewing in another Japanese work environment.
Module 13 – Eliminating odd verbal stuff – like saying "OK?" demonstratively after making a point or using phrases like "Look, here is how we are going to do this."
And Much More…
Never has there been a greater need for a program like this. I know – I got the feedback.
24 Hour Recruiting Care – I think I am on to something – I think it is just around the corner. I will keep you posted.
You know, many candidates seem to think that I already offer 24 hour recruiting based on the large number of phone calls I get between the hours of 6pm and midnight. Seriously – do you really think I am working until midnight? What, are you drunk dialing or did you just wake up from a bad dream about your boss and think “hmm, I think I’ll call my recruiter to get a new job right now.” Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate that you call, but it would be best if it is done during business hours when we can have a 2-way conversation instead of playing phone tag.
And while I’m on the topic of phone calls, you know it is feast or famine with candidates. The good candidates won’t call you back and the bad/annoying candidates won’t get the hint to stop calling. How many times do you have to get my voice mail and not get a call back to realize that I might not be your best resource?
As for telling your recruiter what they want to know – amen to this one! Candidates need to realize that we are playing on the same team and we all want to win. If you run a play without telling the rest of your team, no one will know what is going on but you. Clue your recruiter in to what is going on in your job search or personal life that may affect your job search. Are you working with another recruiter? Fine, just let us know. Has something changed in your home life that precludes you from changing jobs right now? So be it. Bad news is better than no news – clue your recruiter in. Recruiters are insightful and can maybe help you work through whatever the problem is. Additionally, don’t make a decision that your recruiter advises against. I have a box of imaginary “I Told You So” t-shirts in my office in your choice of pink or green for those candidates who don’t listen to what I tell them and then come back in a month or two begging for my help again. Work with your recruiter – not again them!
One last comment on the Modules of 24 hour recruiting – not only make sure your voicemail on your cell phone is business appropriate but also please get rid of that horrid ring back tone. No one wants to listen to your taste in music while waiting to talk to you. The ringing sound has worked for decades and will be acceptable for decades to come! I must share a recent experience. I called a candidate for an opportunity and had to listen to some unrecognizable noise that someone calls music before receiving her voicemail. She said, “Hi it’s Sally. I’m a lazy slacker who can’t even answer my cell phone, so leave a message and I might get around to calling you back”. Would you hire a lazy slacker? Me either.
Tracie – I trust you feel better after purging the bitterness. Thanks for the transparency – vaidating my feeling that this blog is my own personal Employee Assistance Program and I am glad it could be yours.
I would only add that my candidates and hiring managers can call me anytime – I like that because I just want to know and more often than not NEED to know – I think it shows they are actively involved and committed. I had a candidate accept a position last Sunday evening at 9pm and a hiring manager that was glad to take the call. That is always a good thing.