When born with superpowers and upon the day of realization – the first step in the life of a Super Hero or potential Villain is the careful choosing of the name – or at least, that’s how it happens in the movies. As a Head Huntress, my first obvious choice would be The Head Huntress of the World or The Princess of Placement; however, in reality based upon an average day, my name should truly be something like The HR Defeater or perhaps Requirement Rambo or even on a good day The Feedback Fighter. What is my super power you ask? I have the same superpower every good Recruiter has – a facility for communication.

Often times in this crazy world of staffing, an average day can feel like an obstacle course or often times – a war zone. First, jump over the pond of requirements not truly needed but added for no particular reason, crawl under the HR radar, narrowly avoid being shot by the laser beams of HR mistrust, walk the tightrope of candidate love/hate, and lastly – fight the dragon of client non-response. And just when you think you’re safe in your trench – KABLOW!!!! You’ve just stepped on the mine of last minute negotiations and counter offers. However in this war, instead of a sword and shield – I have a laptop, telephone, occasionally a really good quality gel pen…. and my superpower.

Despite current economic problems and a large portion of our talent slated to retire, the business of staffing is still quite strong. Clients need talent, and the talent needs work. Seems like a win/win equation. However, somewhere along the way, our superpower, our ability to communicate, is turned against us and we find ourselves struggling with either the candidates or HR or a client for clarity. To my fellow super-recruiters out there; how do you combat the Kryptonite of a lack of clarity and non-response?

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Comment by Tony Petrucci on September 18, 2008 at 8:08pm
Kelly...Red wine usually works for me....

No easy answer...however I don't have these issues with the clients I have the strongest, most trustful relationships with...it is the "other" clients where I have these problems. So while there is no silver bullet, one way...over time...is to find ways ahead of "crunch" time to build that relationship with the "other" clients so they "get it" when it matters.
Comment by Tony Petrucci on September 19, 2008 at 8:20am
Kelly...another thought...the most recent Fortune magazine has a section on great sales performers. On of them speaks about mapping out in an email to the client everyone's role and expectations for the sales call he is about to make. It includes timelines and responsibilities (including the client's) and also includes the "why". He said this helps him alot in many cases. Obviously the client doesn't have to follow it, but often times it helps them better understand and helps them organize. I think this best practice has some applicability to our world.

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