Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Amitai Givertz on November 11, 2008 at 6:11am

Jim, the challenge with mixed metaphors is that you get all mixed up. You also run the risk of mixing everyone up with you.

As we come together to help define what cloud recruiting means to us -- and the implications for recruiting efficiency in having access to candidates, applications, co-workers, files, databases and so on: anyplace, anytime, on any device -- I think we are all better served by agreeing first that "this means this" and "that means that."

Taking a metaphor and stretching as you do would lead us to conclude that manure is produced by automobiles in quantities consistent with the vehicle's horsepower or that brainwashing eventually leads to clarity of thought. It's not particularly helpful if we are truly seeking "answers."

Now, to answer your question:

As lightening and thunder are produced under the same conditions [recruiting], given that we [recruiters] see lightening before we hear thunder, it follows:

a) In retained search the client is the lightening and the candidate is the thunder
b) In contingency search the candidate is the lightening and the client is the thunder

Of course, this is from a third party recruiters' perspective. From a corporate recruiters perspective lightening and thunder often represent the difference between getting soaked [bad hire] or getting burned [good hire quits]. So the presence of either one suggest a storm ahead.

Hope all this helps.

Permalink Reply by Jim Canto on November 11, 2008 at 2:02pm

The "Cloud" is a metaphor. Though I may have "stretched it" with "lightning" and "thunder", I'm not sure what two metaphors I mixed. I do not agree that stretching a metaphor leads one to believe that "manure is produced by automobiles.... etc.". Stretching a metaphor can help one understand the dynamics of the metaphor. It can also create confusion.

In any event.. sometimes being "mixed up" stimulates the thought needed to get through to the other side of that which confuses us. Not always unhealthy or unproductive. My intent is to stimulate thought among the group. I do not mean to infringe on any intended consequences (which I feel I may have done). I can support cloud recruiting as a concept or as a company.

In the scenario I presented in my original post, I deliberately positioned the recruiter as the "lightning" produced under the condition of [Recruiting] within the "Cloud".... Lightning and Thunder being part of the "Cloud" metaphor. And, I would still be interested in replies.

Full disclosure: I've developed a service within this realm. Therefore I have a vested interest in seeing the concept of recruiting in the cloud become a reality (more of a reality than it is today). Hence my particular interest in this group. I'm also a fan of RecruiterGuy and was interested in stimulating discussion within a group with his name on it.

Amitai, I recognize you as a thought leader in this community. I look forward to further discussion.

Permalink Reply by Amitai Givertz on November 11, 2008 at 6:58pm

Hey, Jim in the spirit of a spirited debate...

You say: "In the scenario I presented in my original post, I deliberately positioned the recruiter as the "lightning" produced under the condition of [Recruiting] within the "Cloud".... Lightning and Thunder being part of the "Cloud" metaphor."

My point is is that lightening and thunder are not part of the "cloud" metaphor [as in "cloud computing"/"cloud recruiting."].

That said, I could be missing the point completely. Am I? Or maybe I'm just cranky today...

You say: "I've developed a service within this realm. Therefore I have a vested interest in seeing the concept of recruiting in the cloud become a reality (more of a reality than it is today)."

I would have thought that more reason for seeking clarity over confusion!

Anyhoooo...

I also would be interested in hearing replies from others so I'll sit back and listen now.

Permalink Reply by Jim Canto on November 11, 2008 at 9:23pm

It's all good, Ami. My question is an old one; Who's more important... the client or the candidate? However, I was interested to see how Cloud Recruiting (the concept) is helping recruiters serve their belief structure. (based on how they answered my question)

If you're primarily candidate driven, how does the Cloud or has the Cloud altered Recruiting for you? (and in what way?) Same question applies if your are Client driven or both.

I suppose I was trying to be creative with my question. I guess I twisted the abstract, eh? I was trying to leave the interpretation of the question to the reader. I figured it would help us all understand the general recruiter population's frame of mind as it pertains to Cloud Recruiting (the concept) and it's application.

I'm headed back to the cloud now... let's see if we get some feedback from others.