Learn to say NO in a competitive market!

Recently, we collaborated with a client that needed a tech architect. The client was previously cooperating with other recruitment companies and this new role was open for more than 6 months, with no suitable candidates.

Before entering a call with the client, our #brainiacs scrolled through all the requests and determined that what was needed from one person to fulfil was the combined experience of 3 different individuals.

It just hit us then, that in 6 months, nobody has had a serious and honest conversation with this big company Senior Director to explain him, step by step, that this role cannot be covered by one person. Nobody has had the courage to say “NO, you cannot attain this because of x and y factors”, nobody had broken down each requirement to see the specific needs of the client and adjust them to the offerings of the market.

?Why is this damaging both to recruitment companies and candidates?

First, you have a client that does not understand the needs, your recruiters will become frustrated and tend to pass by this client every time they get the chance and could end up leaving the company (in extreme cases).

Secondly, to get it over with this contract, you will search and provide all the wrong candidates, which cover, in fact, only a medium percentage of requirements, hence losing both your and your client’s time and resources to go through all this process.

Thirdly, by avoiding an honest conversation you will never get to the bottom of the problem. And this applies to all types of human relations, be it organizational or personal. It is how you react under the rough circumstances that really defines you. You put it on hold and hope the problem disappears, or you tackle it with patience, honesty, and problem-solving approach?

Saying #NO is no easy treat, so these steps will help you go through this process under any circumstance:

1.??If it is not possible to accept or solve a situation or challenge, state and explain your reasons in a professional and constructive manner using market data, examples and any other proof that is handy to demonstrate your point of view. And then say ”NO, this is not possible in the current circumstances”, unless they are willing to adapt.

2.??If agreed that change is welcome, then continue the process by always creating and providing alternatives while making a clear plan on how to reach them. Train your brain to always look for solutions. If something can’t be done, you want to help your business partner instead of just quitting.

3.??While testing the new alternatives, share your feedback - the client will feel you’re in this together and has valuable input to bring to the table.

4.???Do your best and make mistakes! It’s the fastest way you will reach your objective! Plus, the client will be happy you’re learning together and that you’re doing much more than anyone has done before. That is #teamwork.

Just by having this mindset and following the routine above, our team of #brainiacs helped the client’s multi-million project to get back on track. The great thing about this is that we also learned that by always humanizing the processes, our clients are more satisfied, their business is more profitable, and the partnerships become very trustworthy and reliable.?