Recently I got into a discussion on Twitter with a recruiter of sales people for among other fields, the medical industry.
This recruiter had posted that she received a Starbucks card with a resume. She thought that was a great idea.
I replied, I thought it was in poor taste for her to think this was a good idea. Not only would this bring her a mound of cards probably, what message does it send to prospects and clients?
Namely that she can be bribed? Is that what you want to have your customer hire?
I was not the only one to remark in this fashion and the recruiter replied to us that it was a unique and eye catching way to catch her attention. Yes, I agreed, but it is still a bribe.
If it was from someone she placed, or got an interview and it could be seen as a token gesture of thanks, I have no problem with that(although if you work in politics, you should not accept it and if you do please report it appropriately).
I asked her if she was in politics would she still think it was a good idea? Down here in Florida we have had practically whole councils of people under investigation and jail for similar type incidents.
She replied she isn't in politics so it doesn't matter.
At that reply I just stopped bothering.
If you are supposed to be finding employees, I would expect you would want to find honest and above board people that understand the difference between right and wrong in a sales transaction because that employee may one day cause your business major headaches or become CEO.
Sending a resume in a box marked medical supplies could have accomplished the same benefit and left one free to discuss great openings into new accounts.
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I have to agree with you. I like the creativity, but.... As you said, there are probably more appropriate creative approaches that would still get you noticed. I always hate the bribe stuff - here's $25 to complete my survey, etc. Offer me something of value and you won't have to bribe me - seems like the lazy way out.
ReplyDeleteNow this is a resume.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/cfr9b/im_applying_for_a_game_design_job_at_blizzard/
@joe lazy is most people usually. Funny thing is you need to match the role to the creativity.
ReplyDelete@simon That is a great idea and what I was thinking about.
I find it interesting that recruiters would actually post about gifts they receive with resumes- regardless of the dollar value. Many industries face great scrutiny over bribes and gift giving- the medical profession is no exception. I can't imagine the message she posted helps her company any either.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you bring up the fact that this person could become a future problem for the organization- employee screening is a very important part of mitigating corporate risk. Employers and recruiters need to be very careful when it comes to deciding who to bring into the organization.
On the flip side, if I was selected to be an employee, I would appreciate being hired due to my skill set and abilities related to the job, as opposed to my gift giving abilities.
@Lindsay it is odd, but it is indicative of a greater issue in the world. We see huge companies execs get off scott free, or borrow tons of money from the government and no one cares. We see political leaders lie about their personal lives or other items which they crucify others for committing.
ReplyDelete