Sunday, April 7, 2013

Active Candidates vs Passive Candidates

Active candidates: Those who are looking for jobs
Passive candidates: Those who are not looking for jobs.

A good headhunter can turn passive candidates into active candidates, and hook them up with attractive opportunities.

Image from the link: http://www.chalre.com/hiring_managers/active_vs_passive_candidates.htm


3 MUST have qualities in recruiting

From the link: http://www.greatrecruitertraining.com/blog/recruiting/three-core-competencies-of-recruiting

Do read the complete article from the link above.

3 qualities of good recruiters:

  1. Influence
  2. Resilience
  3. Achievement

Be stingy with your hours and minutes

From Steve Love.


  • Be selfish with you time. 
  • Do not waste time on unnecessary activity
  • Dedicate time to activities that make you money.
  • Focus on what builds your practice and help you produce. 

Hard work is not just a personal quality -- It is a Competitive Advantage

From the link: http://www.greatrecruitertraining.com/blog/recruiting/hard-work-is-a-competitive-advantage

  • Hard work is a competitive advantage. 
  • Hard work is a must, even though smart work helps. 
  • Hard word + Smart work is the best way to go 
  • Most people believe that technology is the secret that will give them leverage in their careers. But it’s not. 
  • Relationship building through hard work is important
  • It’s about planting seeds, tending them, putting in the time, and doing the work. There is no way around that. Think of it like relationships. We would like to think that we can call someone a ‘friend’ by linking to them on a social media site. 
  • But friendships, authentic and meaningful ones, take time to build

The Making of a Million Dollar Producer

By Jon Bartos (who made 10 million in 10 years as a top producing recruiter).
Link: http://www.jonbartos.com/Home.aspx

He says that anyone can do it. You can do it too. It is not black magic or good luck. It is hard work + smart work.

He followed 2 principles:
  • Set a goal and be willing to do whatever it takes to attain it.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the metrics
More useful tips by JON BARTOS (do check out his website above!):
  • Whether you are a professional baseball player, a company CEO, a world class sprinter or an Account Executive in recruiting --> Your success or failure will ultimately lie in the numbers. 
  • Know the importance of knowing and paying attention to all key metrics and ratios in recruiting. 
  • The Quantity metrics told us how much time we were spending in the market place 
  • The ratios told how well it was being done. 
  • Recruiting is not an art, it is a science. 
  • It is a numbers game
  • The better you understand the performance metrics and how to make adjustments to the numbers the faster you can see improvement and make an impact to your bottom line.
  • It is not enough however to just track the metrics. 
  • To reach the higher levels of performance, it is also necessary to be able to evaluate the data in a timely manner to quickly spot trouble areas and to be able to make immediate corrections. 
  • Develop RPM, Revenue Performance Management. 
  • RPM is an interactive dashboard system that gives recruiters the ability to track, evaluate critical areas and tweak performance on the spot. 
  • It’s not complicated to become a Million Dollar Producer. But from most people’s perspective, it isn’t easy either. 
  • Setting a goal is only the beginning
  • You then have to be willing to do what you need to do to achieve that goal and really pay close attention to your metrics. 
  • Good advice to all who want to take on the challenge:
  • Be a student of the game – set your goals, align yourself with the top producers to be familiar with what they do to be successful, develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the metrics and take advantage of the tools and resources that can make an impact in your performance over night. 
  • The rewards will be worth it!

Recruiting = Business Development


"Recruiting is a Personal Development
Opportunity Disguised as a Business" 
- Scott Love. Recruitment Trainer. 

RECRUITING IS A CONTACT SPORT -- There is no substitute to direct, 2 way conversation.


Useful online resources for recruiters -- USA specific (Useful for Canadians too)

From the link: http://www.billradin.com/recruiting_resources.htm

Check out the information at the link above. Wonderful information!

There is info about:

  • ATS (Application Tracking System) and automation tools
  • Tools for finding active and passive candidates
  • Recruiter training and professional services
  • Split networks and collaboratives
  • Recruiter blogs
  • Print publications
  • Directories

Gerry.

Bill Radin -- Learnings from Warren Buffet

From the link: http://www.billradin.com/recruiters_digest_2006-11.htm

Go narrow or go wide?

  • Narrow is like pin-point focus -- investing all money in few stocks -- how Buffet made his money
  • Wide is like investing in mutual funds 

So where can a recruiter make his money?

  • Even one single account can make you money, if it gives you good business -- going narrow.
  • Some business from multiple accounts can make you money -- going wide.
Few more gems from the Warren Buffett playbook that directly apply to recruiting:

1. Focus on what you understand. It's not necessary for you to be able to perform your candidates' work, but if you can't visualize or explain in plain English what their job entails, it'll be difficult for you to match up jobs and people.

2. Make decisions with your head, not your heart. We sometimes maintain relationships that are no longer (or were never) useful. By breaking dysfunctional attachments, you'll do yourself a favor.

3. Sidestep problems that are beyond your control. As recruiters, it's our job to fill positions. And by so doing, we solve personnel problems. But if the company is unwilling to pay a competitive wage, or can't put together a realistic set of requirements, or make decisions in a timely manner, it's no longer a personnel problem. Rather, it's a structural problem.


Buffett learned an important lesson from the failure of the textile mills (BH), which he summed up this way:
"After 25 years of buying and supervising a great variety of businesses, I have not learned how to solve difficult business problems. "What I have learned is how to avoid them."

In other words:
Sometimes, it is important to AVOID difficult, unnecessary problems, rather than waste time in trying to solve it. It is like divorcing a difficult problem, rather than fixing it. 

Gems by Bill Radin -- Recruiting Guru

Here are some gems by Bill Radin (modified):

  • Recruiting is a contact sport
  • Recruiting is like dating
  • Phone calls / personal meeting is better than email or voice mail alone
  • Engage with the candidate / client, not just ogle at them on the internet :) 
  • Now get back on the phone !!!

So you want to be an Executive Recruiter? -- A MUST read article!

From the link: http://www.searchconsultants.com/recruiting


All That Money for Making a Few Phone Calls
By Paul Hawkinson - Published in The Fordyce Letter, 6/98
Originally published in the National Business Employment Weekly

So what makes for a successful executive recruiter, aside from the basic knowledge gained through training:
  1. A glint in the eye
  2. Patience
  3. Money motivated
  4. Creative
  5. Resourceful
  6. Familiarity with the business segment or functional discipline where they plan to work 
  7. Empathy
  8. Observant
  9. True grit
  10. Resilience
  11. Ability to negotiate

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Tips for new recruiters

From the link: http://toprecruitertips.blogspot.ca/2008/07/how-to-be-recruiter-5-tips-to-make-it.html

Here are 5 tips to help you become a successful Recruiter quickly.

1. Learn the Process. There are about 30 steps in the recruiting process. From identifying your candidate to getting the check, the process must be learned, followed and trusted. A good Recruiter knows where he/she is in the process at all times. Don't skip steps. Skipping a step or taking a step for granted can kill a deal.

2. The way a Recruiter manages the process to maximize placements is by mastering a few Recruiting skills. Employers and candidates alike want to trust their Recruiter. Those who establish trust get honest answers and cooperation throughout the process. When there are bumps in the road you'll use your Recruiter skills to guide all parties to the best outcome. Employers and candidates EXPECT their Recruiter to take the lead and make a deal happen. But they also want to feel they are in control at the same time!

The best outcome for an emloyer is hiring a candidate who has the skills a position requires and is a good personality fit for their organization. The best outcome for a candidate is accepting an offer from a company that provides what he wants and needs at the moment in his career. The outcome also makes the candidate feel like they are taking a step forward.

3. One of the top two recruiter skills is the art of asking questions. When a Recruiter knows how to ask questions well, they are able to manage both employers and candidates effortlessly. Here's a secret, Recruiters should be listening 80% of the time! When they are listening they're gathering information and information is power.

Information is what's needed when one side or the other has reservations about committing to a deal. Carefull use of information helps to close deals. Deals that should be closed and deals it's the Recruiter's responsibility to close. A large part of a Recruiter's job is asking questions.

4. Mastering the art of Listening (skill #2) makes Recruiters money. Lots of money. When you listen well, people naturally feel heard. A by-product of feeling heard is people like you. And then they trust you. When it comes time for the other side to listen, they will. When you listen for thought process completion, the other party feels valued. There are many positive results and fuzzy warm feelings that can be traced back to listening. Having good listening skills is required to consistently make placements as a Recruiter.

There are times in many a placement process when it apprears the two sides may be approaching a wall and there is no way around that wall. Don't believe it! By listening thoughout the process you'll have the tools needed to keep inching both parties closer to what they both really want. Recruiters' have the responsibility of keeping the lines of communications open and clear. Your questioning and listening skills will eliminate frustrations and create happy clients and happy candidates. Your closing ratio will skyrocket!

5. Be a professional at all times. Speak slowly and clearly. Use proper English, not slang. Don't cuss. Be respectful. Be a good loser if things don't go your way. Know the full cycle Recruiting process. Stick to that process. Keep investing in your education and skill enhancement. Recruiting is not hard once you know what to do and how to do it well. The more you learn the less effort it takes to make a placement and the more money you'll make.

There are people in the industry who want to make the Recruiting process seem harder and more mysterious than it is. A desire to help others, common sense, the ability to follow step by step instructions, honesty, integrity, a basic understanding of business, and self confidence are what's needed to make a successful and happy Recruiter.


How to serve candidates well / become a good recruiter in the eyes of candidates?

From the link: http://dougleschan.com/the-recruitment-guru/recruitment-consultants-stories/how-to-become-a-good-recruitment-consultant-in-the-eyes-of-the-candidates/


1) Try to respond to every CV/resume that you receive. Even an auto-response is appreciated. Candidates will not want to send their CV to you if there is zero response.

2) Only ask them for an interview when you have a job that is a really good fit. If you are a consultant and ask the candidates for an interview, but if you give them the impression that you have nothing on hand, it will be a total waste of time for them. Usually, candidates do not like consultants who do this.

3) Give more professional advice to them in their resume writing, interview skills, and how they ought to dress. If you show them sincerity, they will appreciate it.

4) Follow up with them if possible, once you receive their CV. Give them a ring or drop them a short note via email; it is a good start in this professional relationship.

5) If you have arranged the interview, and the client does not feel good about it, it is always best to advise them about the situation, even if it is bad news—it is still news. If you were to keep quiet about it, the candidate will feel even worse.

6) Advise them on the actual job duties in as much detail as possible. If you are unsure, please make an effort to find out from the client. If you were to talk “rubbish” and bluff your way through, you will lose this candidate forever and your name will be ruined in the market.

7) Never sell the job for the sake of closing the case. I do really understand that there are always KPI and targets to hit, but things will get even worse if you were to sell the job and then things did not work out well for that candidate and the company. If that were to happen, not only will you not hit the KPI, your manager or your boss will grill you upside down!

8) Be honest, be real, and be what you are. Pretending and acting will not get you too far….


7 Habits of Highly Effective Recruiters

Link: http://www.tlnt.com/2013/03/28/with-apologies-to-covey-here-are-7-habits-of-highly-effective-recruiters/
  1. Begin With the End in Mind
  2. Think Win-Win
  3. Be Proactive: The direct way and the indirect way: 
  4. Put First Things First
  5. Seek First to Understand, Then Be Understood
  6. Synergize
  7. Sharpen the Saw





How to Become a Headhunter: The Recruiter - Cecilia Wan Sze Kong

How do you find a good professional recruiter?

From the link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/experts/how-do-you-find-a-good-recruiter/article4242842/

Useful article. Check out the article from the link above. Worth a read.

Cheers,
Gerry.

Hallmarks of Top Professional Recruiters

Link: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/7-hallmarks-top-professional-recruiters/

  1. Will work for the company with the best name 
  2. Are very good listeners
  3. Will find you
  4. Let you make your own decisions
  5. Are clear, honest and provide full information
  6. Will have references ready for you to review
  7. Will be happy to keep you on the books



You owe it to yourself to be the BEST

Best scene Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith gets hired full time!

Pursuit of Happyness - Cold Calling

Keys to being a successful recruiter

From the link: http://letznetwork.blogspot.ca/2007/04/10-keys-to-being-successful-recruiter.html

  1. Focus on relationship-building rather than on resumes 
  2. Establish a network of top-notch candidates 
  3. Use technology in as many ways as you can 
  4. Understand the need for speed at all levels of the recruiting process 
  5. Recruit all the time 
  6. Develop and in-depth understanding of your company and the jobs you need to fill 
  7. Get everyone involved in the recruiting process 
  8. Measure your efforts 
  9. Develop strong, sales, marketing, and communication skills 
  10. Use multiple recruiting resources

Qualities of a Good Recruiter

From the link: http://www.alleywatch.com/2013/04/5-ways-to-spot-a-good-recruiter-in-the-rough/

1) Good recruiters are relationship oriented.

2) They don’t send mass, form emails. Ever.

3) You can ask them for references, and the feedback will be consistent and positive.

4) They have an actual mandate from a company or an actual relationship with the candidate.

5) Good recruiters could do their job if LinkedIn didn’t exist.

How to Break $300K -- for recruiters -- 4 tips -- Focus, Intention, Intensity, and Execution !!!


4 things you have to do to make $300,000 a year:

Have the right:
  • Focus
  • Intention
  • Intensity
  • Execution
In other words,
  • Think the right way
  • Go in the right direction
  • Do what you are supposed to do, with good work habits
  • Doing the right things

Useful interview questions

From the link: http://www.tlnt.com/2013/04/02/12-interview-questions-that-will-reveal-the-very-best-candidates/

A – Questions relating to identifying, solving real problems

1. How will you identify problems and opportunities on the job? 
2. Can you identify the likely problems in this process?
3. Solve a real problem that you will face. 

B – Questions that show you are forward looking

4. Forecast the evolution of this job. 
5. Forecast the evolution of this industry.

C – Questions about a candidate’s ability to innovate, adapt, learn

6. Show us how you would be a continuous learning expert.
7. Show us your adaptability when dramatic change is required.
8. Show us how you will innovate. 

D – Help us better understand you

9. List and rank your job acceptance factors. 
10. List and rank your job motivators. 
11. Tell us the most effective approaches for managing you. 
12. List and rank the capabilities that you bring to this job. 

What separates good recruiting from bad recruiting

From the link: http://www.tlnt.com/2012/07/25/three-good-reasons-good-recruiters-are-good-at-recruiting/

  1. Good recruiters have the ability to change your mind about an opportunity before money is even discussed. 
  2. Good recruiters know your rejections before you know them and address them as such. 
  3. Good recruiters know how to dig and love to get dirty.