How can a down economy impact your hiring decisions?
In a down economy, you need to be careful about hiring. Sometimes the best person for the job is not someone who is unemployed, it’s someone who has a job somewhere else. That makes it more difficult because some good people are cautious about leaving their current position. They don’t want to leave a company that has treated them well to go somewhere to be the low man on the totem pole, because if the economy turns even further, they may be the first to be let go.
There are definitely opportunities in this market to ‘upgrade’ your talent pool. There are some very good people out of work right now. A lot of really good people lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and you can take advantage of that. But hiring in this market doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to get the best talent.
You have to hire someone because it’s an intelligent decision for that person and for you.
How can a recruiter help you find the best employees?
You need to find a recruiter who wants to help you find the right person for the job, regardless of where they come from — someone who is not going to be intimidated because you’re also looking on your own, because, if you’re smart, you should be looking on your own.
There are recruiters who will try to just throw a body at you, but the really good ones want to understand your business and what type of person is successful there. If recruiters are spending most of their time talking, that’s not the type of business you want to build a long-term relationship with. They should truly try to understand your business and what you do. Ask yourself if they are viewing you as someone they want to have a long-term relationship with, or someone they want to fill a quick job with, make some money and move on.
How can companies ensure their best employees stay?
Good employees are concerned about more than just salary. They want to work with good people in an environment where they are challenged, where what they say and do is respected. There is more to keeping people than just paying top salary. Why is it important to work at your company? Share that with employees and remind them of why it’s a good place to be.
Brendan Casey is senior manager – recruiting at Burr Pilger Mayer. Reach him at [email protected] or (650) 855-6892.
