We have all heard since we were old enough to remember, that quote of “the world is round, and to treat people how we would like to be treated!” In the recruiting business more true words have never been spoken… As we weave through the never ending pile of resumes and countless phone screens and interviews; we must keep in mind that today’s candidate can be tomorrow’s client. I most recently found that analogy to be very true. A few months ago, I brought in a candidate for a Director of Maintenance position. He had an excellent resume and work history, with an equal blend of business acumen and common sense. I drove to meet him for lunch one day close to where he was working for our first interview. We ended up talking about the soft skills of who he was, and most importantly, WHAT EXACTLY WOULD MAKE HIM JUMP OUT OF BED AND INTO WORK?! We submitted him to a couple of our clients and for one reason or another, the clients didn’t feel that he was a good fit for them at the time. I continued to search for him and offered advice on companies/positions that he was interested in pursuing. After months of conversations, and searching he ended up finding a position on his own. After getting started and settled in, he knew he needed help. His first call as the new manager was to me; as he stated he knew we took the time and energy to do this process right! Since we have started this relationship over as a “client” not a “candidate” we have been able to make some very quick direct hire placements in the maintenance and engineering departments. By simply taking the time to do things right, and being diligent with his expectations and ours, we now have a “trust-me” relationship; and this speeds up the entire recruiting process and hiring window. So I ask you as a recruiter in today’s “right now” environment… Are you taking the time and spending your energy on candidates that are not only Today’s fee, but tomorrow’s client?? The first interview and the expectations you set for both parties form the structure in which you both engage each other going forward. It’s great to be a subject matter expert and a problem solver, but if they don’t feel like you have their best interest in mind, they are a one time fee and gone for good. Never forget that PASSION for what you do and the people you do it for will hide tons of mistakes, and allow you to stub your toe without destroying the relationship Matt Kirchhoff – Senior Account Manager