Is it all about the money?

Despite stories to the contrary, the recruitment world mirrors the real world!

We too have seasons that match the working world. The New Year, following a traditional quiet December has historically always been busy. There tends to be a hiatus over Easter followed by a spurt leading up to the summer break, which brings us to where we are now: September.

Economic concerns are still reflected in the market but we have successfully wrapped up a number of assignments and helped clients with the contract negotiations. In three of the four assignments the candidates have promptly been countered offered by their existing employer. Fortunately our consultants have addressed this issue with the candidates right back at their first meeting with them and discussed it again with them leading up to our clients offer; with the result that in each case they have declined the counter offer. In fact, one was counter offered three times. In many ways this is very satisfying as it shows that we really have found the right person.

Yes the candidates were offered uplifts on their original salaries but in each case the candidates were making the decision to move for career reasons. It’s not always purely about the money.

So what happens next? I take no credit for this piece but I did think that it gave a different perspective of the relevant issues:

• We are watching you. Suspicions confirmed. We want to make sure that you leave quietly. With dignity. No drama. You would be surprised at the stupid things people do when they leave a company.
• We are watching your internet traffic. Don’t even think about leaking something or sending out company information.
• We are thinking of letting you go early. Some HR people will tell you to stay home during your notice period. Don’t be offended. We’ll pay you. Enjoy the time off before you start your new job.
• If you’re really great, we might want to counter-offer you and tempt you to stay. Never accept this offer. Never. We will always wonder when you’re going to threaten to quit again (because we suspect it was just a fake threat) for more money.
• Co-workers and colleagues will bug you and ask for the real scoop. It’s not your job to expose the soft underbelly of an organisation. Stick to your story. You’re leaving for personal reasons.
• We will ask you to participate in an exit interview. This a pointless exercise. You have the right to say no. HR rarely does anything meaningful with the data. Managers assume sour grapes. Employees are too afraid to burn bridges. If you have any questions about your benefits, use this meeting to clarify your questions — and leave without burning a bridge.