Preventing The Runaway Candidate

Municipal and law enforcement officials in Georgia are still calculating the final costs associated with the "runaway bride". Much like the runaway bride, the "runaway candidate" can have a devastating effect upon a potential employer. In today's competitive market for top candidates, most employers consider a candidate "onboard" once they have accepted the job and signed their offer letter. I would counter we're not at the finish line, or "honeymoon", just yet.

Lurking the in darkness, is the dreaded "fall-off" and counter offer. A "fall off" occurs when the candidate has accepted a position and then decides to stay at their current employer or take another competitive position without warning or notice. The counter offer occurs when the candidate proceeds to resign and is financially induced to stay with their current employer. Either way, the potential employer loses in the end as a once promising addition to your team makes the wrong decision.

The client employer can protect their investment in the recruitment process by following these steps during the "transition" period between offer acceptance and start date:

1. Make personal contact with the candidate: As the hiring manager, you can count of your HR department to take care of all the paperwork and assorted material necessary to the new hire process. You are responsible for the non-tangible events in the new hire process. By this time, you should have no hesitation in simply lifting the phone and calling the candidate to "check in" and make certain things are going well. In the event a direct contact is not possible by phone, send a personal email to the candidate and establish direct communication.

2. Set out an agenda/plan for the "first day": Candidates are naturally apprehensive about starting at a new job. Try to diffuse this apprehension by verbally telling the candidate what to expect on the first day of work. Explain that you will be there to assist them in the transition and introductions to other members of the team. If at all possible, schedule an introductory lunch with team or department members during the first week to break the ice.

3. Leave the door open for any questions: Again, please remember this is a transition period for the candidate. They are going for the "known" to the "unknown". Let them know they can come to you with any questions or concerns prior to the first day. Make certain they understand your door, or at the very least, your telephone or email is always open to answer any question or concerns.

A few moments creating a welcoming atmosphere and climate will go a long way in the recruiting process and help prevent "fall off's" and counter offer situations. As the hiring manager, you have invested in the recruiting process of finding and securing the right candidate. Now, make it all the way to the finish line.

Executive recruiter William Werksman is a frequent columnist to job boards including http://www.NevadaJobBoard.com addressing both the candidate's and employer's perspective. Werksman's expertise has been featured in business magazines, national newspapers and television news segments. His firm, Resource Partners, is recognized as the leading source of specialized and executive talent in the Casino and Gaming industry. He manages a staff of recruiters out of his firm's Las Vegas, Nevada headquarters. He may be reached at: Bill@CareerInsider.com or (702)248-1028.

---

How People Really Explore New Careers: What Does A Real Career Search Look Like?

The traditional model of career choice suggests a linear pattern.... Read More

60 Hour Work Weeks - Can You and Your Career Survive Them

In the 80s while I was an account executive for... Read More

Applying for a Job in Another Country? International Resumes

Is an International Resume still a Resume? This is a... Read More

Pair Your Powerful Resume with a Great Cover Letter

Every great resume deserves a great cover letter.A cover letter... Read More

3 Reasons To Hire From Outside Your Industry

While at times it may prove comfortable and convenient to... Read More

What is Contract Programming? An Alternative to the Conformity of Everyday Employment

What is contract programming, you ask? Well, when companies need... Read More

Switching Careers - 7 Key Steps

Are you thinking about switching careers? If you are, you're... Read More

Dont Quit Your Day Job! Convincing Your Boss To Let You Telecommute (Part 2 of 2)

Ok, so you've determined that you have the right skills... Read More

Surviving in Corporate Amercia: Part 1 - Email

There is a saying that goes, "The best offense is... Read More

A Career With The FBI

Do you have what it takes to become an FBI... Read More

Career Change - Creating Wealth & Happiness

Whether you have a business idea or not, here's what... Read More

Top Ten Networking Strategies To Get A Job, A Promotion, Or Make A Sale

Whether you are networking to find a new job opportunity,... Read More

Telephone Job Interview Preparation Tips

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUNDTelephone interviews are quite common in today's job... Read More

Hey, You Cant Ask Me That! (How to Respond to Inappropriate Job Interview Questions)

I received the following questions from a visitor to my... Read More

Resumes and First impressions

Hunting for a position in a new career field? Trying... Read More

Are You Tired of Hiring Other Peoples Rejects? - 12 Mistakes Recruiters Make and How To Avoid Them

When John applied for a job at Oakland Company, his... Read More

Business Dress for Women: Making Impact

Buying a suit can be an important investment when you... Read More

What Everybody Ought To Know About How To Change Their Career or Profession and Still Survive...

Dr. Denis Waitley, trainer of leaders, including Super Bowl and... Read More

Cover Letter Warning: Watch Out For the BIG BAD WORD!

Dear Job-Seeker:Just as Goldilocks was suspicious of the big bad... Read More

Building Your Army of Supporters: How to Build Strategic Relationships in the Work Place!

Once you have accomplished your task of getting in the... Read More

CVs And Resumes Sometimes Just Get In The Way

As a head-hunter and Career Coach I see so many... Read More

Traveling for An Interview? 10 Tips to Get You From Here to There

You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More

Discover What You Really Want To Do

Are you doing what you really want to do or... Read More

Your Cover Letter MUST Ask This Question

Imagine receiving a letter from a salesman who wants to... Read More

You Are Lucky in Your Career!

You Are Lucky in Being Satisfied in Your CareerJust for... Read More

Job Search Techniques: Smashing The Gray Ceiling

For decades, women have chaffed at the invisible glass ceiling... Read More

Resurgence of the Time Sheet: Why You Should Write Down Your Workday Activities

One day I walked into my boss's office and said,... Read More

Leaders Meet Challenge Heads-UP With Confidence --

Maybe "buck" is better referred to as the Boss' Challenge.... Read More

It is Still Possible to be Upwardly Mobile in America!

Yes, it's still possible to be upwardly mobile in America:... Read More

The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter

Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This... Read More

80,000 Americans Work in the Oil Change Industry

There is a huge shortage, which effects franchises costs in... Read More

Resume Writing Tips

Resume Writing doesn't have to be a solo gigResume writing... Read More

Preparation is Key

Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be... Read More