Dear Stephen,
I'm a Vice President of Sales for a high-end residential luxury brand. I'm not out looking for a job, but whenever I get a call from a recruiter, someone like you, I take it. You never know!
Recently, a headhunter called me about a high-end residential company seeking a vice president of sales. It was a nice brand. Although high-end residential would be a new space for me, the customers are mostly the same—a to-the-trade showroom with high-end clients, decorators, interior designers, end-users, and hospitality clients. It's a beautiful product, and initially I was very intrigued. I also have to say you recruiters sure are good at your jobs! (This headhunter wasn't even from our industry, yet he somehow got my name.)
To fast forward a bit... within 48 hours of interviewing with the recruiter, they had me meeting the company President, along with several consultants and sales leaders who would be reporting to me. The whole thing was such a whirlwind that, to be honest, I had the breath knocked out of me. Less than a week later, I was meeting with board members! And two weeks after the initial call, I was being offered a substantial six-figure job. I hadn't even had time to properly consider it all or discuss it thoroughly with my family.
I did some homework on the company and could tell they were hungry to get the position filled. But I didn't expect such aggressive recruiting tactics. They always made me feel wanted but, I hate to say it, unfortunately they seemed desperate!
There are many recruiters within our industry, the "interiors industry," but since this recruiter was from outside, they didn't understand how to communicate with me or why I had certain questions about the job—questions like 'why is it priced this way?' The stuff people just get when they come from the industry; industry-related questions that this recruiter couldn't answer.
Needless to say, I'm passing on the position, although I was genuinely interested at first. It was the arm-twisting, along with the fact that I already have a great job, that scared me off. The bottom line is, have you heard of a company rolling out a job offer so fast? I don't even know if they called my references!
Signed,
Staying Put
-------------------------------
Dear Staying,
This is what I call "gorilla hiring" tactics! It is the trademark of companies that are desperate to make a new hire.
It's very common in companies desperate for revenue and looking for a strong sales leader. Congratulations to you for getting an offer that fast—chances are you are an excellent candidate. It's not as uncommon as you think when someone is good. In fact, it's smart of a company to offer you a job quickly. It's just poor form that you were able to tell they were desperate.
Although you didn't say who owns this company, the tactic you're describing is very common among private equity owned companies. I hear about them using generic recruiters from finance or their "old boy" network. These same companies have unrealistic revenue expectations because they're looking to sell the company and get a quick return on their investment, so they're looking for a proven professional—which it sounds like you are—who can jumpstart sales. With that comes an awful lot of pressure from whoever is above you.
Here is a message to the hiring companies:
Never let the candidate see how pressured you are for a hire! Additionally, you and whoever may be helping you with the search should absolutely avoid these gorilla strong-arm techniques. Quality candidates are in demand... and they are smart! If they see you sweat, it will scare them. My advice to the hiring company is never let them see you in panic mode.
And my advice to you, Mr. Staying, is you probably did the right thing. Keep taking those calls from headhunters though! You sound like an excellent candidate to me.
Signed,
Stephen