Are You Burning Cycles Working "C" Jobs?
How often in staffing have we worked on lackluster jobs that would never result in a placement due to unrealistic skills, process, or expectations? Time is something we can never manufacture, and we must aim our efforts towards jobs that will yield a placement! Sometimes we don’t ask the hard questions because we fear getting answers we don’t want to hear.
Let’s get our head out of the sand in 2025! It’s better to know if the client is serious or just tire kicking. Here's what to ask to know if you're working an "A" job!
- How long has the position been open, and why is it open?
- Have they seen/interviewed candidates yet? If so, where have they been deficient?
- Is the budget funded & approved for the job?
- What is the bill rate/salary for the position, and is it reasonable?
- What are the required/must have skills?
- What is the start date for the position (NOT ASAP – that isn’t a real date)?
- What happens if a candidate isn’t started by that date?
- What is the impact on the manager and the team while the role remains open?
- What is the interview process? Is it no more than 3 steps for direct hire?
- Is there a defined duration for the position (if contract)?
- Do you have direct Manager contact?
- How many staffing suppliers are working on the req?
- Can we get 24 hr feedback on submittals and interviews?
- Are there preset interview day/time(s) established?
- Is this position an exclusive? Is this an account breaker or a back fill?
If the answers to any of these questions isn’t ideal, it is an opportunity for us to educate, be consultative and guide the client through the process and the timeline. If that fails, it’s best to let them work the job themselves and check back in a week(s) to see how the search is going, and if they are flexible now.
Kim Henderson, Cobalt Compass
Elevating Staffing Professionals Through Training
www.cobaltcompasssolutions.com