Thursday, June 26, 2014

What is a great client and how to spot one if you’re a recruiter?


Not all clients are created equally and being able to spot a great one makes the job of a recruiter so much more enjoyable and easier. Here are some habits of great clients.
1.       Gives feedback
A client who gives complete and timely feedback is loved by their recruiter and candidate. Most candidates want to know why they did not get the job and so does the recruiter. All feedback is good because it helps me as your recruiter get to know you. You’re in that sweet spot when you meet someone and you know right away that they will fit with your client; even if you don’t have a mandate. It’s like you’re symbiotic with your client. Imagine how much faster and smoother recruiting would be if I knew what you liked and did not Mr/Ms Client?
2.       Takes the necessary time
Great clients take the time to fully explain the role to you. If you can’t be bothered to work with your partner, how do you expect your partner to deliver? A great client will invest the time and energy because they know that as a recruiter you are their ambassador and will be able to “sell” the position to Top Talent. People want to know stuff about culture, management style and soft skills and the best way is to take the time with the recruiter to explain and perhaps show them around the office. We’re not asking for a day but perhaps an hour.
3.       Their honest and up-front
These things ties in with giving feedback. We know that “stuff” happens, companies change management, head count is cut or something just does not click. We’re adults and can take the truth. We’re here to help.  If you know that you’re management style is that of a micro manager, let us know. We’ll find the person who thrives on that trait.
4.       They a have a sense of urgency
We love clients who have the same sense of urgency that we have; as long as it is realistic. We want you to hire quickly but with the correct candidate. We both need to strike a balance between quantity and quality.
5.       They’re nice to work with
How does one qualify the nice factor? They don’t take themselves too seriously, they admit when they’re wrong and want to get to know you as a person. Let’s face it, people buy from people and we’re selling people as recruiters. The job is stressful and fast-paced but with a great client, you want to work that much harder for them.

Happy Selling

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Common feedback from Sales managers about sales candidates in interviews

                                                               

We see hundreds of sales candidates working as a sales recruiter and always seek out the opinions and feedback of our sales managers who do the hiring. Here is a list of the common feedback that we get from hiring managers. This includes Sales Manager, Sales Vice Presidents and Human Resources.

1.       The candidate did not try to close me.
This is a sales interview so the hiring manager would like to see what he/she is getting before they hire. This is not the time to be humble; there will be time for that later. Of course, the delivery is important. You must know how to read your interviewer, understanding timing and then deliver; similar to a comedian. 
2.       There was no fit.
As they are interviewing, they are trying to imagine if they would buy from you and if their clients would buy from you.  Are you a warm person that their clients would like? Likability is hard to describe but you know it when you see it. People buy from people so in sales it is more important than a role where the employee does not interact with outside customers.
3.       The candidate was  “all about me”
I know this sounds like it contradicts with #1 but it’s that fine line between  selling your virtues and selling what you bring to the table and how you can help that prospective employer.  As a candidate, you must show interest in the company, job and the person interviewing you. This is often referred to as emotional intelligence and more and more companies are looking for this in sales candidates.
4.       Candidate spoke about money way too early in the process
I have said it many times that money should be brought up by the interviewer first not the interviewee but I still get feedback from clients that the candidate jumped into inappropriate conversations about money too early. This looks like you’re in it just for the money.
5.       The candidate did not look or sound the part
This is one of those delicate subjects. We’ve had everything from wearing jeans to salt stains on the bottom of the pants.  They look at everything. Are you corporate enough, are you messy, and are you sharp in dress and word? I have heard it said “dress for the part you want, not the one you have”. One more comment on appearances; I have never had a client tell me that a client was overdressed.
6.       The candidate could not articulate the sales process
This is a big one because most people believe that past success is a predictor of future success. Clients were looking for sales candidates who could articulate why they were successful and how they qualify prospects and move them along the sales pipeline.
7.       Candidate did not do their homework
You know that the question will come, so why are so many candidates ill-prepared for “what do you know about us”. This question is important for several reasons; it shows the interest level of the candidate and shows how much preparation they will take before going to a client. There’s no excuse for not doing the very basic homework and consulting their website. I have had candidates go to suppliers and customers of their prospective employer and report back what they found in the interview. Can I just say that the hiring managers were blown away by that kind of preparation?
8.       Body language was off
We’ve heard from clients that some sales candidates did not look them in the eye, took over their desk, slouched in their chair and other things that were inappropriate or made them uncomfortable.


Most of these mistakes are easy to correct if you know what the client is looking at and looking for. Govern yourself accordingly and Happy Selling.