Not Every Job Is A Fit
I spent 7 years working in the outplacement/career transition industry. Four of the six of us at Abeln, Magy, Underberg & Associates came from the same outplacement company. Each person we worked with had their own story – about why they were there (in transition) as well as what they wanted for their next role. We as their consultants worked to help them successfully transition to a new role based on their interests. While we did not conduct their job search, we were certainly active coaches.
Let me say it again – not every job is a fit
Now that we are on another side of the ‘matching people with jobs’ equation, we see candidates who are in transition somewhat differently. They are great people – that is not the issue. They are seeking something new – that is not the issue. They don’t necessarily like the job search process – that is not the issue either.
If it IS open, I am perfect for it
Every Director, Vice President or C-Suite position we work on is real – it is open and we are aggressively working to find the right person for the job. We really don’t care if you are in transition or not. If you (1) have the skill set and (2) are a cultural fit, we want to talk with you. We hope you feel the same way – both skill set and culture have to fit.
Force-fitting yourself into an opening because it is open won’t work for either party
We reach out to over 200 people for any given opportunity. We, for better or worse, have to reject those that are interested but we find are not a fit. Candidates in transition are not as discerning as other candidates who are gainfully employed. They seem to think they fit everything.
The job market is strong
This is good news in general – great news if you are in transition, great news if you are open to hearing about opportunities, and great news for search firms – but it also means a discerning candidate can wait for the right role to cross their desk.
Our job is to find THE right person. Your job is to assure the role is right. We cannot make a mistake; you should not make a mistake. Finding the right role slowly is much better than finding the wrong role quickly. Speed is indeed important; accuracy is critical for all.