In a previous blog post for the Top Echelon Recruiter Training Blog, I presented “5 Recruiter Strategies for Dealing with the HR Department.”
Recruiters always want to know the best ways to navigate the Human Resources departments of their clients, so I’m back with even more strategies. The main emphasis with these strategies is to foster a more cooperative relationship. There has to be cooperation, or there will be no placement.
That’s why all of these strategies are grounded in a spirit of cooperation.
Strategies for dealing with HR:
#1—Find out where the budget for this hire exists.
Does money for the search come from human resources or the actual department for which you recruit? If it comes from HR, you’re most likely going to have to work with them in some capacity.
#2—Consider the Taoist concept that the river is mightier than the mountain.
The idea is that all of the water runs into the river because it gets lower than the mountain. Don’t be afraid to get “underneath” HR in order to achieve your purpose. Feed their ego; make them look good in front of their superiors; ask how you can solve their problems; make them feel respected so they can become an ally and an advocate for you.
#3—Attempt to diffuse the situation.
Say something like this—“We want to act as an extension of your department”—to diffuse any hostility or defensiveness.
#4—Maintain the line of communication.
If necessary, copy your HR contact on all emails to the hiring authority to keep them in the loop or make other similar concessions.
#5—Extend the olive branch.
Meet them in person or take them to lunch to build rapport.
If they’re not cooperative or are overly territorial, move and find another company who will value you as a true search partner. Don’t settle for an arm-length relationship.
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Gary Stauble, a guest writer for the Top Echelon Recruiter Training Blog, is the principal consultant for The Recruiting Lab, a coaching company that assists firm owners and solo recruiters in generating more profit in less time. For more information or to schedule a complimentary coaching session, visit www.therecruitinglab.com or call 408.849.4756.