Searching for Candidates Prior to Need
| Is it right to search for a replacement for someone before you are certain you will have a void?
The answer to this is very easy: if you are talking about a lover, then don’t do it. If, on the other hand, you run a business or a department and you have a low performer on your team, then it is your responsibility to take some steps to prepare for a loss, rather than waiting until one occurs. Face it—in today’s business world, managers are lucky to get even two weeks notice, and many employees who stay for their two weeks have mentally moved on anyway. |
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Try these steps to prepare for the possibility of facing a void:
1. Take time to mentally review candidates from other departments or regions that might be a perfect replacement, should you need one.
2. Consider publicizing a department policy that states you are always in search-mode for future growth of the team and/or unexpected voids. Let your team know you will interview anyone as a company courtesy. Keep a file on candidates you like.
3. Inquire with a recruiter or placement company to see if they might have a candidate in mind. Make it clear that your inquiry needs to be kept confidential. (Note: if they offer to do a blind ad—take a pass. Blind ads often create suspicion in good candidates.)
4. Get approval to increase the team by one headcount. This way, your search can be made public, and if your low-performer perks up then it will be a win-win situation. If not, you are covered.
5. Do some informal recruitment on your own at your next networking event or trade-show.
“Everyone has a plan—until they get punched in the face.” - Mike Tyson, Boxer.
Brenda Abdilla is the President of Management Momentum. After a 15 year career as an author, speaker and editor, Brenda founded Management Momentum to allow her to focus on fewer companies and utilize her intense passion for improving sales and management performance. Brenda now does specialty recruitment projects, performance coaching for managers and can be reached at 303-456-1210 or www.managementmomentum.net.
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