Guerrilla Tactics for Recruitment Success
Mastering In-house Executive Search
Sometimes, conventional methods aren't enough to achieve success in executive search. We, therefore, encourage you to employ creative, “guerrilla” tactics when necessary to move the process forward and showcase your value.
Effective guerrilla tactics for recruitment success:
Interrupt meetings for crucial information:
Don't be afraid to briefly interrupt if you need immediate feedback
This shows the urgency and importance of your work
Stand your ground on difficult issues:
Be willing to push back on unrealistic expectations or problematic requests
Use data and market insights to support your position
Let hiring managers experience the recruitment process:
If they insist on seeing all resumes, let them cull the stack themselves
This can help them appreciate your screening expertise
Use strategic communication:
Copy the hiring manager's superior on important emails
This can add weight to your requests and show transparency
Recommend hands-on involvement:
Suggest the hiring manager extends offers or checks references
This can give them insight into the complexities of the process
Sit in on interviews:
Observe the hiring manager's style and preferences firsthand
Use this information to refine your candidate selection
Use the power of “no”:
Sometimes, refusing a request is better than being overly accommodating
This can reset expectations and showcase your strategic thinking
Send “assumption” messages:
If unresponsive, send a message assuming they're no longer interested in filling the role
This can prompt action and re-engage a disengaged hiring manager
Remember, these tactics should be used judiciously and professionally. The goal is to improve the recruitment process and strengthen your partnership with hiring managers, not to create conflict.
By employing these guerrilla tactics when appropriate, you can overcome obstacles, demonstrate your value, and achieve better results in executive search.
