Parental Support

One of the great things about being a Hiring Consultant is the opportunity to meet so many interesting people -- business owners, managers, and candidates. This week I had the opportunity to talk with someone who didn't fit any of those categories when the father of a potential candidate contacted me.

It happens more than one would think. At least a few times a year a mom or dad will call, generally because their "baby" lives out of state and has expressed an interest in moving back home to Maine. Often moms are all over that and start doing the research, checking out JobsInME, networking with friends, and calling people like me. This may or may not be great for the family dynamics. I can assure you that it is never a good tactic for a job search. The contact this week reached new highs (or lows) of parental uber support.

It started with an email in which the gentleman in question (let's call him "Dad") contacted me saying he wasn't a recruiter nor a candidate but that he was interested in one of my ads and may have some people to refer to me. So I called him. We discussed the job a bit. With any call of this type I don't reveal much more information than can be found in the ad. Then Dad told me the real reason for his call. He has a son (let's call him "Son") who he thinks would be great for this job. But Son isn't working out of state, he is right here in Maine. So why did Dad call?

Evidently, Dad is managing his son's career as if he were managing the career of an actor or golf pro. Son is working in the same industry as Dad and when Son graduated from college, Dad said, "I placed him with XYZ company." Dad didn't think Son received enough mentoring there but. "I let him stay in XYZ for two years and then brought him to DEF Group, unfortunately it is a similar situation." (Lack of mentoring.)

Dad said he knew the manager at DEF and (real quote), "I interviewed (that manager) for Son". I asked a few clarifying questions and yes, he did have lunch with and interview his son's potential employer and to see whether it would be a good fit for Son.

I was stunned, but I successfully remained neutral until the end. After a bit more discussion, Dad asked if he could have Son call me and I said that Son would have to read the ad, and respond like every other candidate before I would talk with him. I did also say that I would be happy to receive and review Son's information. Dad still wanted Son to call me and I requested again that he not call prior to sending the information. I was frankly done with Dad. We ended the call cordially but I did let him know that if Son applies and is moved forward, I would advise my clients not to meet with Dad at all. I stated "You will not interview my client."

I have not received any information from Son. Frankly, I suggest he move to Seattle.

Hiring and Hire Well, LLC in 2010

At just $3000.00 per position,

you can afford to Hire Well

Happy New Year.

If you live in Maine, you may have attended a recent presentation by USM Economist and Professor Charlie Colgan's economic forecast for Maine, and you have certainly heard or read a news report on the topic. (If you haven't attended one of his public presentations, you may hear his speech here.) He is reasonably certain that we are now pulling out of the recession, but he does not believe that we will reduce unemployment anytime soon.

Hire Well helps small companies hire key

personnel, getting it right the first time.

What does that mean for employers, particularly those who are hiring? Well for one thing, it means we will continue to see huge numbers of applicants for most positions. Despite that, we will have a hard time finding qualified candidates for some positions, as families move to other areas and fewer workers move to Maine. Maine's smaller companies, who have limited human resources personnel will either have to spend more time finding the best available candidate -- or will hire quickly and hope for the best.

Save time. Save money. Call Hire Well.

So, in this New Year, like every other business owner, I have been taking a look at what Hire Well, LLC offers. Are our services relevant? Do we deliver on what we promise? Do we charge a fair price and can we profit at that price? Do companies and organizations need our services? I believe the answer to all of these questions is "Yes". So, how can I effectively market Hire Well, LLC? Networking, limited advertising, networking, referrals, networking, social media, and networking. I have found that advertising in Mainebiz has been an effective advertising venue for Hire Well and have continued to advertise during the recession. The message from Hire Well's upcoming ad as been presented (not subliminally) here.

Charlie Colgan ended his talk with this observation: The challenge for the next decade is to change our attitude from that of a Zero Sum Society of I win-you lose.

Whether you are building a company or seeking a position I wish you peace, health, and prosperity for 2010 and beyond. I hope we all win.