I'm sorry...but we just can't help you right now.....

Yep. Just had to say that. It pains me greatly. But what else can we do?

I'm sure many of you are (hopefully) off-the-hook BUSY! I am absolutely thankful to be in the position I find myself in.

But can we - more importantly - should we take on every new search that comes our way if we're too busy? I've decided it's better to let a potential client know we're simply not in a position to entertain a new search with them. I've done this twice now. This week.

Why go through the process (hopefully yours is very thorough) knowing you most likely will not be able to follow through? I expect a lot from my clients. And they get a lot. Why set them up with an expectation of service knowing you won't be delivering?

I've also had some very good recruiters connect with me in the past few weeks. Each sounded very much on the ball. They had some openings that (if we had the time) we could fill. But as things stand now - I've had to say "Sorry.....but we just can't help you now".

Wow. Not sure where I'm going with this....but I've been in the office since 6:30 and think it's time to pack it in. (But I probably won't.....)

Comment by pam claughton on March 10, 2011 at 7:02pm: Would it make sense to hire another recruiter?

Comment by C. B. Stalling!! on March 11, 2011 at 11:29am: I would ask the people calling for a retainer and then I would help them...

Comment by Amber on March 11, 2011 at 11:58am: Or partner with other recruiters who have the time...

Good problem to have!

Comment by C. B. Stalling!! on March 11, 2011 at 1:44pm: Not a good problem. Recruites who need help are not good recruiters, so they call us and ask to keep 50% of the fee. Tell them to pound sand...

Comment by Jerry Albright on March 11, 2011 at 1:47pm: C.B. - your attitude toward splits placements is really quite myopic. I love doing splits - and if I had the time to commit to all these opportunities I sure would............

Comment by Jerry Albright on March 11, 2011 at 1:48pm: @Pam - I've added two this past year. I'm at a "facilities max" issue....:)

Comment by Paul Alfred on March 11, 2011 at 4:47pm: Jerry ...I think this is great ... It does a number of things - Shows the client that you do deliver and provide value - If you decide to take on the assignment you are serious. It's like a a buddy of mine who runs a Ad Design studio telling new clients to touch base in 4- 6 months he can't take on any more work ... I love it ...

Comment by Sandra McCartt on March 11, 2011 at 5:28pm: CB. that is one of the dumbest statements i have ever heard. I am getting calls from great recruiters all over the place who are covered up with listings and only have the hours between 4 and 6 in the morning left to sleep. I have job orders coming out my ears. If there are any physician recruiters who are not busy send me an email. I need nine of those puppies.