No one returns emails or calls any more. Did professionalism go out the door with the economy? - RecruitingBlogs2024-03-29T06:19:17Zhttps://recruitingblogs.com/forum/topics/no-one-returns-emails-or-calls?commentId=502551%3AComment%3A645737&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi Jerry - OMG - THANK YOU!
E…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-15:502551:Comment:6457482009-05-15T13:14:53.545ZJill Rosenfieldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/JillRosenfield
Hi Jerry - OMG - THANK YOU!<br />
ENOUGH SAID........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Jerry - OMG - THANK YOU!<br />
ENOUGH SAID........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hi Stephen,
I absolutely appr…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-15:502551:Comment:6457432009-05-15T13:07:00.672ZJill Rosenfieldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/JillRosenfield
Hi Stephen,<br />
I absolutely appreciate your feedback. I didn't like everything you had to say, but, it was honest, real and very positive in terms of being helpful. My intention of this discussion was twofold:<br />
1. Truly trying to pick up tips, ideas, and thoughts on how to get people to respond to me.<br />
2. Make the title provocative enough to get people to respond.<br />
Mission accomplished on #2. ;). LOL<br />
I have to say you were the first person to bring this point…. "Is there a way to take this lesson and…
Hi Stephen,<br />
I absolutely appreciate your feedback. I didn't like everything you had to say, but, it was honest, real and very positive in terms of being helpful. My intention of this discussion was twofold:<br />
1. Truly trying to pick up tips, ideas, and thoughts on how to get people to respond to me.<br />
2. Make the title provocative enough to get people to respond.<br />
Mission accomplished on #2. ;). LOL<br />
I have to say you were the first person to bring this point…. "Is there a way to take this lesson and use it to gain the attention of hard-to-reach hiring managers?<br />
My overall point: take this discussion and put it into whatever perspective applies to you. Make a concerted effort to see other peoples position whether it be a decision maker, a hiring manager, a candidate calling for a job, a colleague looking for advice. When we only see one perspective we go through life, and work with blinders on. I for one want to be a person that learns, grows, adds value, but also receives value.<br />
Thanks so much for your thoughts!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<cite>Stephen said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://recruitingblogs.ning.com/forum/topics/no-one-returns-emails-or-calls?id=502551%3ATopic%3A642654&page=3#502551Comment645726"><div>Boy - this thread evolved...<br/><br/>First off, Jill, thank you for using a provocative title for your thread. Without it, we wouldn't have all this quality feedback to ponder over as we consider how to do our jobs better and, in turn, add value to our candidates and clients.<br/><br/>Second, maybe this thread has hit on something. Jill was able to garner some outstanding feedback by using a different, risky, and creative thread title. This may not have been her intention, but the results have been outstanding. Is there a way to take this lesson and use it to gain the attention of hard-to-reach hiring managers?<br/><br/>Third, if you have a long-standing relationship with a hiring authority and they don't return your call or email in a timely manner, that is RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL!<br/><br/>Fourth, it is funny that 10 years ago everybody thought the internet and technology would revolutionize business. In some ways it did. In others, such as personal interaction, selling, and, in our case, recruiting, it has only amplified the problems sales people faced 20 years ago. As a result, knowing how to stand out, sell, add value, and service new and existing customers has become MORE valuable...who would have predicted that? Thanks Al!</div>
</blockquote> Sorry to say this - but this…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-15:502551:Comment:6457372009-05-15T12:48:08.916ZJerry Albrighthttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/JerryAlbright
Sorry to say this - but this is some of the most ridiculous thinking I have seen posted here.<br />
<br />
Cold calls are unprofessional? You're joking, right? While I can certainly appreciated having an idea of the company you are calling (we really should) I find it absurd to think we need to spend a few hours reviewing their entire product line, plant locations and complete organizational structure. Does the phrase "Paralysis Through Analysis" ring a bell? Just pick up the phone and DIAL already! If you…
Sorry to say this - but this is some of the most ridiculous thinking I have seen posted here.<br />
<br />
Cold calls are unprofessional? You're joking, right? While I can certainly appreciated having an idea of the company you are calling (we really should) I find it absurd to think we need to spend a few hours reviewing their entire product line, plant locations and complete organizational structure. Does the phrase "Paralysis Through Analysis" ring a bell? Just pick up the phone and DIAL already! If you are polite, enthused and personable you will not be seen as unprofessional.<br />
<br />
It has been my experience that making a personal call every few months is ABSOLUTELY the thing to do. As far as NOT calling them - but instead sending "helpful links" or the latest "did you know" info - that is want I would view as spam. Sorry.<br />
<br />
Please take this though in the spirit of "professional" debate. While I realize I am a crusty, old-school, opinionated Big Biller I am always interested in other viewpoints. Who knows - I might just learn something.<br />
<br />
But cold calls are uprofessional? Please......<br />
<br />
<cite>Nick Leslie-Miller said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://recruitingblogs.ning.com/forum/topics/no-one-returns-emails-or-calls?page=3&commentId=502551%3AComment%3A645726&x=1#502551Comment644652"><div>I also think making cold calls is in itself unprofessional. It shows that you are not bothering to take any interest in the client or the company that he/she is working for. You are simply screwing them for business. I receive about 5 calls a day, most of which I take or I ask if I am busy to call back later, so I know the feeling.<br/><br/>Nor is the art of communicating and networking all about calling every 3 months. The communication should be that you are usually giving something to the client, and that something must be of value, whether it is a link to a local lap dancing club or it is information that relates to his/her company and/or his job. By giving something first it is easier to then get back information than it would be by simply firing off 20 questions.<br/><br/>There is only one reason why clients are not responding to you and that reason is you and only you.</div>
</blockquote> Boy - this thread evolved...…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-15:502551:Comment:6457262009-05-15T12:21:24.488ZSteve Mastersonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/Stephen67
Boy - this thread evolved...<br />
<br />
First off, Jill, thank you for using a provocative title for your thread. Without it, we wouldn't have all this quality feedback to ponder over as we consider how to do our jobs better and, in turn, add value to our candidates and clients.<br />
<br />
Second, maybe this thread has hit on something. Jill was able to garner some outstanding feedback by using a different, risky, and creative thread title. This may not have been her intention, but the results have been…
Boy - this thread evolved...<br />
<br />
First off, Jill, thank you for using a provocative title for your thread. Without it, we wouldn't have all this quality feedback to ponder over as we consider how to do our jobs better and, in turn, add value to our candidates and clients.<br />
<br />
Second, maybe this thread has hit on something. Jill was able to garner some outstanding feedback by using a different, risky, and creative thread title. This may not have been her intention, but the results have been outstanding. Is there a way to take this lesson and use it to gain the attention of hard-to-reach hiring managers?<br />
<br />
Third, if you have a long-standing relationship with a hiring authority and they don't return your call or email in a timely manner, that is RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL!<br />
<br />
Fourth, it is funny that 10 years ago everybody thought the internet and technology would revolutionize business. In some ways it did. In others, such as personal interaction, selling, and, in our case, recruiting, it has only amplified the problems sales people faced 20 years ago. As a result, knowing how to stand out, sell, add value, and service new and existing customers has become MORE valuable...who would have predicted that? Thanks Al! Hi Leah,
I appreciate your in…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-14:502551:Comment:6450082009-05-14T18:54:05.480ZJill Rosenfieldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/JillRosenfield
Hi Leah,<br />
I appreciate your input. And you are right!.... the answer is yes and no. I just want people to be a little more understanding on both sides of the equation. In my opinion the lack of response seems to be more rampant in this economy.<br />
I understand when it comes to cold calling you must come with serious value add for some one to return a call, but again as I've stated in my earlier posts, people you have relationships with that dont respond.. it's just frustrating.<br />
<br />
<cite>Leah Rosen…</cite>
Hi Leah,<br />
I appreciate your input. And you are right!.... the answer is yes and no. I just want people to be a little more understanding on both sides of the equation. In my opinion the lack of response seems to be more rampant in this economy.<br />
I understand when it comes to cold calling you must come with serious value add for some one to return a call, but again as I've stated in my earlier posts, people you have relationships with that dont respond.. it's just frustrating.<br />
<br />
<cite>Leah Rosen said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://recruitingblogs.ning.com/forum/topics/no-one-returns-emails-or-calls?id=502551%3ATopic%3A642654&page=3#502551Comment645000"><div>Hi Jill,<br/><br/>I think the answer to your question is yes and no! I think it was always tough to get a return phone call, but I think the economy has just made it worse! I was feeling that today, as well, so I'm glad I ran into your post.<br/><br/>I don't think there is a real method to getting phone calls back. I think you keep trying and decide what your limit is and then move on!<br/><br/>I also find this lack of professionalism when I'm trying to reach out to other recruiters!<br/><br/>Good luck!<br/><br/>Leah</div>
</blockquote> Hi Jill,
I think the answer…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-14:502551:Comment:6450002009-05-14T18:46:03.853ZLeah Rosenhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/LeahRosen
Hi Jill,<br />
<br />
I think the answer to your question is yes and no! I think it was always tough to get a return phone call, but I think the economy has just made it worse! I was feeling that today, as well, so I'm glad I ran into your post.<br />
<br />
I don't think there is a real method to getting phone calls back. I think you keep trying and decide what your limit is and then move on!<br />
<br />
I also find this lack of professionalism when I'm trying to reach out to other recruiters!<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
Leah
Hi Jill,<br />
<br />
I think the answer to your question is yes and no! I think it was always tough to get a return phone call, but I think the economy has just made it worse! I was feeling that today, as well, so I'm glad I ran into your post.<br />
<br />
I don't think there is a real method to getting phone calls back. I think you keep trying and decide what your limit is and then move on!<br />
<br />
I also find this lack of professionalism when I'm trying to reach out to other recruiters!<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
Leah Maybe someone brought this up…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-14:502551:Comment:6444892009-05-14T08:09:04.359ZMaureen Sharibhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/MaureenSharib
Maybe someone brought this up - I didn't read ALL the responses.<br />
Jill clarified when she said:<br />
<i>Typically in my role, I am calling on Directors of Talent Acquisition, VP's of HR, and Staffing Managers/Directors. Occasionally it’s a CEO when I'm working with a small or midsize company. <b>By far the majority of my business is working with the Fortune 500</b>.</i><br />
<br />
One thing that <i>might</i> be happening is the people you're calling on, Jill, <i>may no longer be there!</i> Believe it or not,…
Maybe someone brought this up - I didn't read ALL the responses.<br />
Jill clarified when she said:<br />
<i>Typically in my role, I am calling on Directors of Talent Acquisition, VP's of HR, and Staffing Managers/Directors. Occasionally it’s a CEO when I'm working with a small or midsize company. <b>By far the majority of my business is working with the Fortune 500</b>.</i><br />
<br />
One thing that <i>might</i> be happening is the people you're calling on, Jill, <i>may no longer be there!</i> Believe it or not, company voicemails are not always kept up to date (I know because I've cruised thousands!) It could be your message is being left in a black hole. I maintain that staffing and HR departments are decimated these days and only skeleton crews remain at many of the Fortune 500 you're calling on. You think that receptionist (Gatekeeper) knows, or even cares, that Mike Moriarty, Staffing Manager, was let go in February? There's a good chance she doesn't know and he's still showing up in her directory. If what you've noticed, Jill, is a drop-off over the last year especially, I'd start doing some sleuthing on the front end of your next calls to find out if the person you're calling, maybe listed on a network like LinkedIn or an info service like Hoover's or even in your own database as being employed there, is, in fact, "still there." Chances are expanding that he's not. In most cases, his duties are now being handled by whoever was above him (a couple steps above him) in the food chain.<br />
******<br />
<a href="http://www.techtrak.com">Our goal</a> is to save you time and help you succeed. Ah is that what you call it?…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-13:502551:Comment:6442632009-05-13T20:53:09.427ZJill Rosenfieldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/JillRosenfield
Ah is that what you call it? I love it! ;)<br />
Let's get that into the wikipedia! Or can we make it a twitter term- maybe call it TWITSERS?<br />
<br />
<cite>Rob McIntosh said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://recruitingblogs.ning.com/forum/topics/no-one-returns-emails-or-calls?id=502551%3ATopic%3A642654&page=2#502551Comment644239"><div>Jill - you hit on a favorite topic of mine :-)....You are encountering the common disease known as SERS (Selective Email Response Syndrome)…<br></br><br></br></div>
</blockquote>
Ah is that what you call it? I love it! ;)<br />
Let's get that into the wikipedia! Or can we make it a twitter term- maybe call it TWITSERS?<br />
<br />
<cite>Rob McIntosh said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://recruitingblogs.ning.com/forum/topics/no-one-returns-emails-or-calls?id=502551%3ATopic%3A642654&page=2#502551Comment644239"><div>Jill - you hit on a favorite topic of mine :-)....You are encountering the common disease known as SERS (Selective Email Response Syndrome)<br/><br/><a href="http://community.ere.net/forum/topics/22210/">http://community.ere.net/forum/topics/22210/</a><br/><br/>Rob</div>
</blockquote> Hi Jack - Big THANK YOU! I re…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-13:502551:Comment:6442532009-05-13T20:40:29.383ZJill Rosenfieldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/JillRosenfield
Hi Jack - Big THANK YOU! I really appreciate your response. I'm working from home today with bronchitis feeling pretty beat up not only physically from being ill, but emotionally with all the overwhelming negative responses to my sparked debate. It seems to be a sensitive subject on both sides but I'm probably debating a losing battle.<br />
<br />
You really hit the nail on the head for ME. One of those aha moments. Enthusiasm and belief in ones product or service is so very important, especially now in…
Hi Jack - Big THANK YOU! I really appreciate your response. I'm working from home today with bronchitis feeling pretty beat up not only physically from being ill, but emotionally with all the overwhelming negative responses to my sparked debate. It seems to be a sensitive subject on both sides but I'm probably debating a losing battle.<br />
<br />
You really hit the nail on the head for ME. One of those aha moments. Enthusiasm and belief in ones product or service is so very important, especially now in this economy. I know this, but, being reminded certainly does not hurt. Maybe I've just become less optimisitc and that's what people are hearing from me. I really need to think about my message and how I am being perceived, regardless of the fact that I really do believe my company provides value add! (Perception is Reality).<br />
<br />
I've been in sales for over 20 years personally, but I have only been in this particular business for approximately 4 years. I love it believe it or not, but, even in my first year of recruiting and being an absolute novice I never saw the lack of response as I do now. I guess that's where my frustration lies.<br />
<br />
I in no way intended this subject to turn into a pity party for Jill I just wanted to make my point hoping it would at least resonate for people who are on the side of the desk making hiring decisions or the decision on who to respond too and who not too.<br />
<br />
<cite>Jack Young said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://recruitingblogs.ning.com/forum/topics/no-one-returns-emails-or-calls?id=502551%3ATopic%3A642654&page=2#502551Comment644216"><div>I attended my first recruiter’s work shop in September 1986. I unfortunately can’t remember the name of the presenter, although I do remember his diamond studded cufflinks, embroidered/monogrammed shirt, and a smirk that said, “90% of you newbies will never make it past the first 60 days.”<br/><br/>We had to learn the “pitch”, and it went something like this, “Hi, my name is Jack Young I’m an executive recruiter I take it you know what I mean.” Depending on whether you were cold calling a candidate or a client you then went further in your spiel with, CANDIDATE: “I’m calling you today because I just received a fabulous assignment to recruit a Director of Operations for a wonderful manufacturing company in your area, and I was wondering if you’d be interested in hearing about this opportunity?”<br/><br/>Jill, apropos your discussion from the CLIENT SIDE circa 1986, “I was calling you today because I just met an incredibly talented Director of Operations. I’m handling a search for another distribution company, and frankly, this particular Director of Ops is too senior for my current client company. Do you think you’d be interested in hearing about this very talented operations professional?”<br/><br/>Here’s a laugh from these pre-scripted call days; I worked with another new recruiter “Bob”. Bob really took the training literally, and committed to memory the opening phrase, “Hi my name is Bob I’m an executive recruiter I take it you know what I mean.” Well, we all worked off of paper company lists at the time, and you simply were “dialing for dollars”, not paying too much attention to who, what and where. Bob is on his umpteenth call of the day, and about twelve of us in the “recruiting bullpen” were making calls, and hated hearing Bob and his inane rendition of, “Hi my name is Bob I’m an executive recruiter I take it you know what I mean.” Finally, Bob get’s the next potential client or candidate on the phone, and he starts his pitch when all of a sudden we hear him say, “Hi my name is Bob I’m an executive recruiter I TAKE IT I KNOW WHAT I MEAN”. Jill, I’ve laughed a lot during my years in this business, but maybe never harder than hearing Bob utter that one phrase. Imagine the thoughts going on in the mind of the person listening to that pitch.<br/><br/>It is amazing with this training I ever survived in the business. On and on, evolving and evolving we’ve trekked. Always trying to professionalize our approach, and gain entre' to the next great client, or superstar “Operations Manager”.<br/><br/>I find myself having morphed from newbie/novice salesman, agency proprietor, to seasoned showman/schmoozer. A day does not go by where I’m not formulating a strategy of how to break into an account. How can I reinvigorate enthusiasm with a long standing client company that’s been hit hard by the economic downturn?<br/><br/>No one returns my calls, where has professionalism gone was the salesman’s lament in 1986; it is still a challenge to overcome today in 2009. The biggest difference is that the snub can emanate from so many different forms of media. Our email can be ignored, our voicemail can be ignored, our text can be ignored, and the greatest indignity of all, our Tweet can be ignored…<br/><br/>I posted a blog on April 23rd. titled “I just want someone to call me” <a href="http://www.allowmetointroducemyself.com/blog/">http://www.allowmetointroducemyself.com/blog/</a> from the 100’s of candidate calls I receive and their pleas for help in connecting with a potential hiring authority or recruiter that can offer them some hope.<br/><br/>Man, I don’t want to be preaching, (particularly to this choir), but many of us face the same challenge as the candidate(s) wanting audience with a hiring manager. Reinvent, or as our President sold us, “change”… and so I shall.<br/><br/>I’ve reinvented my recruiting model for the fourth time in 23 years. This incarnation is the most drastic, innovative, and circular in design. I’ve tried to consider the most glaring needs of the client, candidate, and recruiter. This new model gives me reason, and purpose to reach out to 23 years of connections. I won’t be sending a single postcard, letter or facsimile.<br/><br/>There’ll be links to PowerPoint presentations stored online. Announcements throughout the Social Networking community, and yes, old fashion phone calls to my most valued accounts. Jill, I need to be extraordinarily compelling in my message.<br/><br/>I need to be inventive in my service, and need to employ strategic risks that look good on paper, but are wholly unproven in practical application. I can do this because I am convinced my plan is solid, and the implementation benefits everyone.<br/><br/>I’m leaving emails regarding this launch that are being returned. I’m calling my client base with a message that goes something like this, “Hi, it’s Jack Young, and I would like to speak to you about a new recruiting solution for your company. I’ve crafted a unique way for us to work together that will dramatically reduce your cost in utilizing my service, and provide you greater access to my network.” I’m receiving a call back of about 90% of the time. As a maniacal Class A lunatic, the 10% not responding still drives me nuts. My attitude is once the program roles out and gains it’s first, and second success, the ten-percenters will come along as well.<br/><br/>Be compelling, be beyond excited, be positive – if you believe you are calling with a product or service that will definitely improve the functionality, productivity, and profitability of a company, and that belief is born from solid research and experience, keep calling until the CEO, President or owner of the company tells you to stop!</div>
</blockquote> Jill - you hit on a favorite…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-05-13:502551:Comment:6442392009-05-13T20:14:43.281ZRob McIntoshhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/cambor
Jill - you hit on a favorite topic of mine :-)....You are encountering the common disease known as SERS (Selective Email Response Syndrome)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://community.ere.net/forum/topics/22210/">http://community.ere.net/forum/topics/22210/</a><br />
<br />
Rob
Jill - you hit on a favorite topic of mine :-)....You are encountering the common disease known as SERS (Selective Email Response Syndrome)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://community.ere.net/forum/topics/22210/">http://community.ere.net/forum/topics/22210/</a><br />
<br />
Rob