Jul 26, 2011

We re-connected best friends

Posted by Wendy Weber

Here’s a satisfying recruiting story:

We were engaged to conduct a search with a new client. A very challenging search. An established agency in Northern VA was creating a new division, and the required background and skill set were very unique. It looked like it would be near-impossible to identify qualified candidates, but then again, our clients don’t award us the easy searches!

So we did what we do best…recruit deep into our network. We spoke to our connections, who alerted their connections, who reached out to their connections. And that is how we identified our star candidate. His best friend, whom he had worked with earlier in his career, referred him. She said, “you should speak to this ex-colleague of mine…a guy I’ve known FOREVER and is the best person I know, no kidding.” He had lived in Northern VA earlier in his career, but was residing in Tennessee. Had been there for years. I can’t say that I was optimistic about his recent experience or his openness to relocate…but it was worth a call. As it turned out, his experience was on-target, and he was enthusiastic about returning “home” to Northern VA.

Once we made our client aware of him, they knew we had presented a winner. They quickly moved him through the interview process, and he was hired 6 weeks later.

Our client is thrilled with his work. Our candidate is happy to be back home, doing work he loves. And his best friend…well I just heard from her today. She has been in touch with him 3 times a week, and they just reconnected with another of their favorite former co-workers and had a wonderful reunion. She said, “It was fabulous. All because you called me for a reference. I just love the way life works out.”

Me, too!

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