Too Soon to Start Recruiting?

DECISION MAKER: "I am starting to see some signs of life in real estate. When the market turns, I'll have plenty of time to replace key staff members 'right sized' during the economic downturn."

FRIENDLY RECRUITER: "That may be the case...but what if it's not? You may not have much wiggle room. How much time can you afford to spend searching while your competitors make aggressive hiring moves?"

DECISION MAKER: "The market is flooded with resumes! I know I will quickly find someone to complete my team as soon as the market is back in full swing."

FRIENDLY RECRUITER: "Sure, there's an overabundance of resumes circulating the industry. Some even belong to qualified candidates. But have you thought about the time it can take to find the long-term fit—cultural, personality and performance?"

DECISION MAKER: "Oh, a couple weeks or so....?"

FRIENDLY RECRUITER: "If you are lucky. The average executive search takes more than 120 days to successfully complete. You can probably cut that time in half, to about 60 days. That's with a very focused, agile recruiting firm flexible to your needs. The question is... How much time do you really have to put off action?"

DECISION MAKER: "Good points. Maybe less than I think. This could be a good time to start looking."