Phil Mickelson won a WGC in Shanghai this weekend. His pay day was over $1MM.
Do you think he is getting paid for four days of work? Personally, I don't think so. Instead, I think it is a lifetime of commitment, practice and achievement. I view my job as a contingency based recruiter similar to a PGA golf pro. I practice 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year for the chance to perform at every tournament or for a client company. Every placement I make is a culmination of hundreds of tasks: my calls, emails and networking all combine to find the perfect person for a company. It is years of connections and relationships that provide success when the candidate and company agree on employment terms. When I make a match, I feel like I have putted-out on Sunday and have won the weekly event. A slight fist pump, a high five and hug, but then its back to the driving range looking for that perfect shot... The tournament sponsor pays when a winner is found but the golfer doesn't get paid until he turns in the best performance of the day--amidst intense competition.
Reaching an agreement, like winning a match, does not come easily. Hundreds of calls and conversations are required to gain the trust of a client company. It takes a significant amount of time to negotiate a placement wherein I discuss your company's background and hiring needs with a candidate.
Given the contingency agreement from your company, I can proactively contact people on your behalf. It affords me the time to justify making calls on the company's behalf. I understand that this does not mean you will hire a candidate from me, but at least it gives me a chance to perform and show you the caliber of people I can attract. A win-win situation: an incentive for me, a performance oriented employee for my client.
Hiring managers know better than anyone how specific and unique a candidate needs to be to match their hiring needs. If in two weeks or a month I have been able to attract one or two people from the hundreds of calls that I make, then at least you will have the chance to review the resume and determine then if you would like to speak with that candidate. I know that being proactive in all market conditions keeps companies thriving.
Like Vijay Singh, I enjoy "working out" to perfect my skill set. Let's win some matches together! Please allow me the opportunity to be an advocate for your company.
