It's what we crave…

by Brian Weidner on June 30, 2010

Here are a few comments that I’ve received this week:

“My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!”

“Really interesting post, thanks! Do you mind if I publish it in my blog, with a link back to you?”

“Hi, I like your blog. This is a cool site and I wanted to post a little note to let you know, nice job! Thanks Lisa”

The only problem is that all these comments are fake.  When you leave a comment on a blog you can include a link to your website, these links will help with Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which helps your website appear higher on Google.  As a result, spammers have created automated systems that leave comments on blogs.  They are not real people and certainly don’t care about Healthcare recruitment in Wisconsin.

When I get the email with their “fake” comment I’m always excited.  Then a few seconds later, I realize that the comment is phony and disappointment sets in.  The idea of a real person giving a positive comment about this blog is very appealing to me.  In fact it’s what I crave…and what all of us craves! 

We want real connections with other people.  We want another people to listen and appreciate what we have to say.  If we have a question, we want to reach a knowledgeable person who can personally respond.  In many ways technology has enabled an abundance of fake connections which can be incredibly annoying.  Like when you receive a spam email message from a business owner in Kenya who wants to send you money.  Or when you call a customer service hot line and spend 30 minutes hitting buttons on your phone before a real person….in Manila, Philippines…answers the phone. 

Let’s tie this to Healthcare recruitment in Wisconsin.  Many recruiters seem to follow a transactional approach.  It might sound something like this:

“I have a position open for a Pharmacist, so I’ll post the position on a few job boards, and follow our hiring process.  On my outgoing voicemail I state that I can’t return individual calls from candidates.  I really don’t want to build relationships…I just need a qualified Pharmacist to come forward when I post the position.  Why are people so difficult?”

This sends a message to candidates that we really don’t care about them.  We only want to go through the motions to uncover a candidate who we’ll never keep in touch with once the position is filled. 

Rather, I’d encourage you to give candidates what they crave.  Listen to their career goals and take a long term perspective to build a mutual relationship.  Develop active channels to stay connected for future networking and career opportunities.  Be a recruiter and a real person…at the same time. 

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