Have you ever evaluated . . .

Have you ever evaluated the agency prior to giving them the order?

Most agents are trained to make cold calls, calling absolute strangers, making an initial brief introduction/speech, and then asking for orders.

The conversation often is, “Hi! My name is __________. I’m a recruiter with a firm called _______. We’re in the business of locating top talent for firms in the _____ industry. I understand you’re trying to fill a few positions and wanted to see if I could help you.” Based upon hearing that canned speech, hiring managers and HR professionals decide whether or not to give a recruiter a job or two or a hundred to work on.

Does that really make sense to you?

What would really be useful to you when you get a phone call like this?

Why not ask about the individual recruiter’s experience, capabilities, previous successes and size of the firm. That online brochure they have—it’s as useless as reading a magazine ad for life insurance. Fee policy? That’s good; it’s like finding out what the store will charge for something before you get to the register.

Why not make a 15 – 30 minute investment of time to meet with the person? After all, you’ll be reviewing resumes they submit, listening to their opinions and, generally, investing time with them all with the hope that they will refer people to you who you’ll hire.

Taking time with them at the beginning will help you figure out whether you should give them the opportunity to help you staff positions and whether to trust their advice.


Jeff Altman
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com

© 2005 all rights reserved.

Jeff Altman, Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, has successfully assisted many corporations identify leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines as employees or consultants since 1971. He is a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.

For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com

If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).