The HeadHuntress Blog

The Challenge!

I put it out there that the guys in my office challenged me to find three new openings by the end of the day - mission accomplished! I love my network, and I bought four of you dinner!!! Thanks - the guys are eating crow.

JT

Thoughts from My Desk.

Colleagues, Peers, Professionals. There are - in all roles, universally....the good, and the not-even close. In the recruiting world I categorize into three specific roles. Dependant upon my relationship with each - or my candidates or clients relationship within each - these either make or break my: Day, Bottom line, and Mood.

1. The Client
2. The Candidate
3. Other Recruiters

1. Clients. I have three criterion for working with a client. A. Receptive to building a relationship. I'm not at all interested in working one role for a client, I'd like to get to know the business and understand needs on a different level, a deeper one - and be their "go to" for outside recruiting assistance. B. Do they have a sense of humor. and C. Are they good with feedback and open to strategizing with me on what it takes to bring a candidate they want, on board. If I have a resounding yes to all three, I've got a new client.

2. Candidates. Again, three criterion: A. Honest. If they are working with other recruiters - I want to know, how is the interview process going, where are they in regards to other offers, what is the experience like thus far. Are they up front. So important. If I don't have honesty - I don't have a good relationship - I don't want to put any candidate in front of my clients, I want to put the right one - I can only determine that with an honest exchange. B. Flexible. I am willing to jump through a variety of hoops to make something work - if and only if, I have a similar commitment from the candidate. C. Respect. I am here to provide information and opportunities, I am not here to convince - in exchange, I ask to be kept informed during the interview process.   Surprises are never fun - but an honest surprise I can work with.

3. Recruiters. There are the good, and the not-even-close. It's the not-even-close that has the opportunity to make my day difficult. With clients and candidates alike - I ask what their relationship/experience with recruiters has been to date. It's important. If there was frustration, or confidentiality issues, or any other negative experience, I'll have to overcome it - fair or not. I don't run a perfect desk, but I run a respectful one.

Focus - Elusive Little Bugger

When you have too much on your plate - focus becomes an friend who moved across country and only checks in sporadically.  The more you add to your plate the less able you are to address a darn thing. So, before you hit overwhelm - step back and assess. What is important? Okay, it all is. Write down the emergencies, the have to get done in the next hour(s) - and take a deep breath.

This is when "the devil is in the details" doesn't apply. Sometimes we can look too hard at the big picture, we lose the details that create it. My own "To Do" lists keep that from happening. As Old School as that sounds, write it down - it takes the pressure off of trying to remember - our memories are not as omnipotent as we seem to believe.

Focus has a big fat fear of overwhelm - manage one and you'll have the other.

Breathing Through a Straw

Ever have one of those days? Oh yes - all you hear - all day - is your name and you day dream about changing it to something fierce.  You've moved way beyond the "looking busy" to the "nope, actually swamped over here".  Don't read on if you're looking for advice on busy and what to do with it. I got nuthin for ya. I stay late  - note the time. And I like it.  Seriously - can we not agree that you get more done between five and seven p.m. - when it's only you? I get two days worth done - can't imagine I'm alone there - just here. Love coming in the next day, bouncier than usual, all caught up. It's good stuff.

I try to fit a late night in once a week - that way my family doesn't suffer, I still remember I have a life outside my work (gasp), and my friends aren't wondering if I'm dead - which is the only excuse not to return three consecutive calls, evidently.

Try it.  Don't forget to crank the music.