No one returns emails or calls any more. Did professionalism go out the door with the economy?

I was pondering today on what exactly it takes to get a decision maker to return a call. It seems that I can make 100 calles a day and I might get lucky with 3 return calls if that. I'm looking for some suggestions on what you do to insure a returned phone call or email.
Jill Rosenfield
HireVelocity

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Permalink Reply by Steve Masterson on May 15, 2009 at 8:21am

Boy - this thread evolved...

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.

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?

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!

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!

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Albright on May 15, 2009 at 8:48am

Sorry to say this - but this is some of the most ridiculous thinking I have seen posted here.

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.

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.

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.

But cold calls are uprofessional? Please......

Nick Leslie-Miller said:

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.

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.

There is only one reason why clients are not responding to you and that reason is you and only you.

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Permalink Reply by Jill Rosenfield on May 15, 2009 at 9:07am

Hi Stephen,
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:
1. Truly trying to pick up tips, ideas, and thoughts on how to get people to respond to me.
2. Make the title provocative enough to get people to respond.
Mission accomplished on #2. ;). LOL
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?
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.
Thanks so much for your thoughts!

Stephen said:

Boy - this thread evolved...

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.

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?

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!

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!