Comments on: Life at the Crossroads and What to Do — NOW http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/ Recruiting News, Recruiting Events, Recruiting Community, Social Recruiting Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:03:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: But That’s Not My Job: the Benefits of Owning Your Own Business - ERE.net http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-39575 But That’s Not My Job: the Benefits of Owning Your Own Business - ERE.net Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:41:45 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-39575 [...] I applaud ERE for going with my temerity on this one. My answer to that is there are many, many recruiters thinking about change. Leaving one profession for another isn’t a bad thing; it may just be what’s calling you at this time. [...] [...] I applaud ERE for going with my temerity on this one. My answer to that is there are many, many recruiters thinking about change. Leaving one profession for another isn’t a bad thing; it may just be what’s calling you at this time. [...]

]]> By: Sylvia Dahlby http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-16384 Sylvia Dahlby Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:03:20 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-16384 The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is my FOURTH industry downturn, yes we will survive. The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is my FOURTH industry downturn, yes we will survive.

]]> By: Michelle Rawicz http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-16282 Michelle Rawicz Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:14:22 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-16282 Good article. I think this is my 3rd recession. To me the mechanics of recruiting do not change, but the industry has changed greatly. There are so many avenues in place that did not exist in the day - just look at all the social media tools, ATS streamlining, niche job boards - ways to make recruiting simpler for corporations. The soft skills such as persuasion and negotiation remain, but you can train individuals easily. Good recruiters grown and perfect with time, something you cannot replace. But there are so many good tools now which are indeed making our jobs obsolete. But the same skills can be used in so many other areas. I did not know about Dave - there you have it! There is life beyond recruiting. Thanks Howard. Good article. I think this is my 3rd recession. To me the mechanics of recruiting do not change, but the industry has changed greatly. There are so many avenues in place that did not exist in the day – just look at all the social media tools, ATS streamlining, niche job boards – ways to make recruiting simpler for corporations. The soft skills such as persuasion and negotiation remain, but you can train individuals easily. Good recruiters grown and perfect with time, something you cannot replace. But there are so many good tools now which are indeed making our jobs obsolete. But the same skills can be used in so many other areas.

I did not know about Dave – there you have it! There is life beyond recruiting. Thanks Howard.

]]> By: Sylvia Dahlby http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12952 Sylvia Dahlby Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:06:39 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12952 You're a rock star Howard. Another article I wish I had written myself. Bonus points for suggesting some folks consider leaving recruiting -the best thing about a down economy is it separates the dedicated from those who would be happier doing something else. You’re a rock star Howard. Another article I wish I had written myself. Bonus points for suggesting some folks consider leaving recruiting -the best thing about a down economy is it separates the dedicated from those who would be happier doing something else.

]]> By: Robin Gillman, SPHR http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12845 Robin Gillman, SPHR Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:12:44 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12845 Having lived through a number of recessions, I wholeheartedly agree with Howard's view. What is different about past recessions and this one is that everyone knows about this one; with the internet it is much more publicized. During previous recessions, I always thought it was me--whether I was too young, not experienced enough or just not good enough. One good thing about not realizing others were going through the same thing at the same time, is that it was like running with blinders. I had to be more flexible constantly changing and maneuvering to stay in the race... Having lived through a number of recessions, I wholeheartedly agree with Howard’s view. What is different about past recessions and this one is that everyone knows about this one; with the internet it is much more publicized.

During previous recessions, I always thought it was me–whether I was too young, not experienced enough or just not good enough. One good thing about not realizing others were going through the same thing at the same time, is that it was like running with blinders. I had to be more flexible constantly changing and maneuvering to stay in the race…

]]> By: Heather Gaillard http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12843 Heather Gaillard Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:00:50 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12843 Great article. Thanks for making us take the time to stop and think! Cheers, Heather Great article. Thanks for making us take the time to stop and think!

Cheers,
Heather

]]> By: Keith Halperin http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12720 Keith Halperin Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:51:17 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12720 IMHO, our choices are simple but difficult: 1) Do we decide to offer the high value-add, specialized hiring services which can't be eliminated, automated, or outsourced away? This may require us to work harder and smarter for less than before. 2) Do we hope and pray for a return of an already-obsolete model relying on the gullibility and ignorance of many potential clients to using cost-effective alternatives? This is not very sensible. Folks, I fear the days when any half-trained, “salesy” Tammy, Dick, or Harriet can make a good living at recruiting are going fast if they aren’t gone already, and may be gone for good. So don’t be overwhelmed: learn, change, and adapt! Cheers, Keith “What Makes You So Special?” Halperin ........................................... "The 21st century is where everything changes, and you've got to be ready!" ―Jack Harkness IMHO, our choices are simple but difficult:

1) Do we decide to offer the high value-add, specialized hiring services which can’t be eliminated, automated, or outsourced away? This may require us to work harder and smarter for less than before.

2) Do we hope and pray for a return of an already-obsolete model relying on the gullibility and ignorance of many potential clients to using cost-effective alternatives? This is not very sensible.

Folks, I fear the days when any half-trained, “salesy” Tammy, Dick, or Harriet can make a good living at recruiting are going fast if they aren’t gone already, and may be gone for good. So don’t be overwhelmed: learn, change, and adapt!

Cheers,

Keith “What Makes You So Special?” Halperin
…………………………………….

“The 21st century is where everything changes, and you’ve got to be ready!”
―Jack Harkness

]]> By: bill josephson http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12714 bill josephson Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:57:25 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12714 As a 3rd party recruiter what it boils down to for me is finding passive invisible candidates companies can't access for the highly niche specific and Purple Squirrel tough assignments they'll pay a fee for, and just how much rejection/frustration I can handle targeting a goal of 50 presentations daily in my pursuit of those candidates. Whether it be 25, 40, or the 50 target. In this survival mode it's much like athletes playing in pain in sports to persevere as we get hit in cold call recruiting with every telephone indignity imaginable. Bill As a 3rd party recruiter what it boils down to for me is finding passive invisible candidates companies can’t access for the highly niche specific and Purple Squirrel tough assignments they’ll pay a fee for, and just how much rejection/frustration I can handle targeting a goal of 50 presentations daily in my pursuit of those candidates. Whether it be 25, 40, or the 50 target.

In this survival mode it’s much like athletes playing in pain in sports to persevere as we get hit in cold call recruiting with every telephone indignity imaginable.

Bill

]]> By: David Porter http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12690 David Porter Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:37:50 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12690 Being forced into option one, I can personally say that is NOT where anyone should be. Making less than one third of my "real working" salary than I was a couple years ago when my IT career came crashing to an end thanks in part to office politics and a hostile take-over. I'm still looking for that new and exciting career opportunity. Being forced into option one, I can personally say that is NOT where anyone should be. Making less than one third of my “real working” salary than I was a couple years ago when my IT career came crashing to an end thanks in part to office politics and a hostile take-over. I’m still looking for that new and exciting career opportunity.

]]> By: Julie Davis http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12676 Julie Davis Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:01:49 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12676 Thanks for the reminder. At times we get so busy doing the every-day-job that we forget to think about the job we'll need tomorrow. I must make plans! Thanks! Thanks for the reminder. At times we get so busy doing the every-day-job that we forget to think about the job we’ll need tomorrow. I must make plans! Thanks!

]]> By: brian johnston http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12658 brian johnston Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:44:09 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12658 GREAT, GREAT, GREAT Article... The 24year old's will take over where there is no passion for this type of work.... I LOVE 75 calls a DAY.....every single one of them draws me closer to giving back more $$/Time to my church and community- ITS ABOUT SERVICE GANG! Who are YOU serving today.. YOUR Customers or YOURSELF? I don't suggest ANY of the finest 3rd party recruiter's to decrease there fees until the ability to find top producer's increases, which it has not, (They are ALL working and very cautious to jump shift at present times) Thanks for this excellent post.... Brian- GREAT, GREAT, GREAT Article…

The 24year old’s will take over where there is no passion for this type of work….

I LOVE 75 calls a DAY…..every single one of them draws me closer to giving back more $$/Time to my church and community- ITS ABOUT SERVICE GANG! Who are YOU serving today.. YOUR Customers or YOURSELF?

I don’t suggest ANY of the finest 3rd party recruiter’s to decrease there fees until the ability to find top producer’s increases, which it has not, (They are ALL working and very cautious to jump shift at present times)

Thanks for this excellent post….
Brian-

]]> By: Jerry Albright http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12657 Jerry Albright Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:42:08 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12657 Great post Howard. I think the majority of us have all had to at least "consider" our direction. Many (including myself) were on auto-pilot for quite a while. Funny thing though....As nearly everyone agrees that the "same old - same old" approach may not be the best moving forward, only a tiny percentage make the changes necessary. I've seen several of my staffing buddies exit the field and more are on their way out. Were they good? Yes. They "were". Great post Howard. I think the majority of us have all had to at least “consider” our direction. Many (including myself) were on auto-pilot for quite a while.

Funny thing though….As nearly everyone agrees that the “same old – same old” approach may not be the best moving forward, only a tiny percentage make the changes necessary. I’ve seen several of my staffing buddies exit the field and more are on their way out.

Were they good? Yes. They “were”.

]]> By: Jacki Neal http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12656 Jacki Neal Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:57:29 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12656 It has taken us a while to realize that eventhough we don't 'like' this new reality, it IS a reality. Off shore recruiting groups are making headway into our recruiting market. The tools and data available are successfully taking out much of the 'intelligence' of the recruiting process. Hate it? Yep. Are we making lots of changes to adjust our business to remain competitive? you-betcha. Great article - right on! It has taken us a while to realize that eventhough we don’t ‘like’ this new reality, it IS a reality. Off shore recruiting groups are making headway into our recruiting market. The tools and data available are successfully taking out much of the ‘intelligence’ of the recruiting process. Hate it? Yep. Are we making lots of changes to adjust our business to remain competitive? you-betcha.

Great article – right on!

]]> By: Laurie Ruettimann http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12655 Laurie Ruettimann Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:47:38 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12655 Yes to all. Where have you been all my life? Yes
to
all.

Where have you been all my life?

]]> By: Brian Anderson http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12654 Brian Anderson Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:32:26 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12654 Howard Great words to ponder ! Howard

Great words to ponder !

]]> By: Robb Norris http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12653 Robb Norris Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:18:57 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12653 Nail on the head! My response is to go higher end and specialize even more. This is my 4th recession and likely not the last. One thing everyone seems to forget is that the Baby Boomers are still going to retire and we are going to continue to have a talent shortage! Demonstrate your value and you will get your fees. Nail on the head! My response is to go higher end and specialize even more. This is my 4th recession and likely not the last. One thing everyone seems to forget is that the Baby Boomers are still going to retire and we are going to continue to have a talent shortage! Demonstrate your value and you will get your fees.

]]> By: Laurie Glatthaar http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12652 Laurie Glatthaar Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:08:07 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12652 Great article (as usual) Howard. I especially enjoyed the piece about Dave & Bacon Salt. Today more than ever we need to be passionate about what we are doing or move on to something that WILL stimulate us!!! Great article (as usual) Howard. I especially enjoyed the piece about Dave & Bacon Salt. Today more than ever we need to be passionate about what we are doing or move on to something that WILL stimulate us!!!

]]> By: Janet Bender http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12651 Janet Bender Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:30:50 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12651 Great post Scott. For reading material, FastCompany is always close at hand too. Great post Scott. For reading material, FastCompany is always close at hand too.

]]> By: Steve Jewell http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12650 Steve Jewell Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:13:41 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12650 Howard- I look forward to you speaking at the MNTRN at the Best Buy HQ this Friday in Minneapolis. Should be a great turnout and this article will surely generate some lively discussion. See you then! Howard- I look forward to you speaking at the MNTRN at the Best Buy HQ this Friday in Minneapolis. Should be a great turnout and this article will surely generate some lively discussion. See you then!

]]> By: Lynne Sebastian http://www.ere.net/2009/06/09/life-at-the-crossroads-and-what-to-do-now/comment-page-1/#comment-12648 Lynne Sebastian Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:29:19 +0000 http://www.ere.net/?p=8267#comment-12648 As always, Howard, timely and well said. And thanks for the tip on Bacon Salt! I can't wait to try some. As always, Howard, timely and well said. And thanks for the tip on Bacon Salt! I can’t wait to try some.

]]>