Recently I completed a search for Crutchfield, an online and catalog retailer of consumer electronics. The winning candidate was a guy with a tremendous background and lots of options. Several companies were courting him, and to be honest, Crutchfield's salary offer wasn't the highest. But here's what made the difference: Bill Crutchfield, the owner of the company, called the candidate to sell him on the opportunity and make him feel needed at Crutchfield. It was the only such call the candidate received.
Certainly, the CEO's of the other companies didn't call this candidate -- but neither did their immediate hiring managers. Dumb. Later, after the candidate accepted Crutchfield's offer, Mr. Crutchfield sent the candidate and his wife some flowers. Didn't have to. Wanted to.
If you're keeping score at home: That's how to build a great company. The best candidates aren't in it just for the money. They need to feel needed. And that's where Mr. Crutchfield differentiated himself. He took a personal interest in recruiting.
Q: Need the number of a recruiter who "gets it?"
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A: Download Harry's contact info for future reference.
