What the Boy Scouts taught me about Recruiting
by: Art Pitcher


A short but sweet reminder to those of you who make it difficult for the rest of us.


When I was in the Boy Scouts I learned a thing or two about making sure whoever follows me feels warm and invited. What I mean is this:

When Camping, I learned that after I COMPLETELY extinguish my fire and clean up ALL my trash from my campsite, I should leave a nice little pile of wood and small kindling for the next camper so they can get a fire started right away without having to forage for firewood before setting up camp. A nice touch to be sure, and I still smile when I get to a nice CLEAN camp site and there’s a small pile of wood waiting for ME.

Recently I had the all-to-common experience of calling a candidate who was deplorably rude to me. Sure, they were interested in the position (it was a financial step up for them) but throughout the qualifying conversation I had to endure his bitterness: “Will you even call me if they’re not interested? I bet you won’t even take my calls. Are you SURE they really have this job open? If I give you someone’s name you’ll tell them I did it and they’ll be mad 'cause I sent a bloodsucker to them.”

So I ask you to consider for a moment the following: When you are conducting a search and you successfully place your candidate, remember the way you treat the rest of your candidates could be leaving a mighty long lasting impression. I don’t like cleaning up other peoples messes when camping or recruiting. A little care goes a long way. You might need to go back to the same camp site… er, candidate someday.

Candidates make us money, but don’t forget they’re people, too.

HAPPY HUNTING!

-Art Pitcher