Recruitment is Like Fitness, and This is Why You’re Struggling
From big to boutique, why the personal approach matters.
I used to hate working out. The idea of a huge, sticky, sweaty gym was not only intimidating, but whenever I had nerve to visit them in an attempt to persuade myself, the experience always left a lot to be desired. I tried several different gyms, and also many different classes, hoping to find a cozy fit that would keep me motivated to a consistent fitness regime. You already know what happened next. I gave up. None of the big gyms with all the bells and whistles had a compelling enough customer-centric approach to make me want to return. For example, I was just one in many. They didn’t know my name, my personal goals didn’t seem exclusively important to them and often they were more interested in showing off their latest equipment and facility features, or getting me to sign a contract, than listening to what I wanted from a gym as a customer. How awful does it feel when you feel like someone wants to dive into your wallet, but doesn’t want to listen to your goals and objectives?
A few months later a friend invited me to a small boutique fitness studio to do a class. Although I was hesitant, given my previous experiences, the class was free and I had the afternoon off.
With a seamless and personal approach at this studio, it honestly took one class, and I was hooked. More importantly, I realized I didn’t hate working out, I just hated the impersonal aspects of a chain gym that didn’t put the customer at the heart of their mission. I really enjoyed the intimate feel of a boutique environment. When it comes to business, I think this same approach can be used when you are looking to find quality talent. Opting to enlist the services of a boutique recruitment firm may cost a little extra, but brings great benefits:
- Principals of the firm handle the search from inception to the offer. The people you meet and hire to do the search are the same people who run the search and negotiate the deal between the client and candidate. The process is seamless and personal, with the objective of finding only the perfect fit, not just to sign you to a contract.
- The contrast to the larger search firms and their internal research capability is the boutiques, which is able to call on specialty research houses depending on the level and category.
- And lastly, the personal attention factor. What bothered me most in my gym experiences was being passed from person to person, where nobody knew my name and when departments were silos. Huge benefits occur when honest, empathic professional relationships develop with person who is conducting your search. Your objectives become one in the same with theirs, and they care about your result.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not as though this type of close relationship cannot be formed with one specific recruiter at a bigger firm. However consider the differences of any chain corporation and smaller boutique establishments. There is something to say about the passion, commitment and personal touch of those who keep it small to achieve great things. Do your research, shop around, and find the type of connection that you trust will bring you great results.
About the author: Rebecca Levin is the VP of Retail and Digital Business Development at Martin Kartin & Company. Rebecca intimately understands the new generation of talent and how to match their specific dynamic with today’s newly defined roles and organizations. Follow her on Twitter@MartinKartinCo and contact her at rlevin@martinkartin.com