My ‘Fifty Cents’ on Recruiting

I’ve been recruiting in the perm world for 15 years now… And I must say that it’s been a heck of a ride and I feel extremely blessed. I feel like I’ve got this business down pretty well and have a beat on what challenges I expect to hit every day.  I specialize in placing technology sales executives, many of whom make $300K+. It’s the only reality I know in recruiting.

That is until about a year ago, when a few members of our Staffing Services department moved into my bullpen. It was the first time I’d been exposed to this other segment in the recruiting world. Boy, is it different.  At the beginning I would listen to them on the phone and it was like they were speaking another language. I had to literally take a step back and evaluate what I knew about recruiting! … But then things started making some sense. One thing that has really struck a chord with me is when I hear my colleagues fighting for an extra 50 cents per hour for their candidates. To know that there is another world other than the $300K/bonus/equity/OTE one that I know, one where an extra half dollar an hour can make an impact on someone’s life, is humbling and gives me some much needed perspective.

Don’t misinterpret my message though-I’m all for making money and can’t criticize anyone for trying to make as much as they can. However, it’s a little harder now to sympathize when I hear any candidates crying about money or feeling disappointed because an offer came in at $135K instead of $140K… Perspective, people.

Someone once told me to stay humble and hungry and I will have a great sales career. Rather than complaining or worrying about the two deals I didn’t get last quarter, I’m reminded to be grateful for the career I have and the fact that I don’t have to worry about making 50 cents more an hour. So thank you Hobson Contract Staffing department for helping me get back some perspective.

-Larry