During the last few weeks, I’ve been delighted to see a major increase in organic visits and word of mouth recommendations that we’ve been receiving at Finstech. But, if I’m honest, it’s actually made me feel quite guilty.
Of course, it’s not the people that are talking positively about us who are sharing and liking our posts that are causing this guilt… a big thanks to all of you in fact! No, it’s not them, it’s me!
Let me explain what I mean. Here are some of the examples of recommendations/referrals that we’ve had recently:
- A friend hears from their friend, that their wife has lost their job due to COVID-19 – and recommends they talk to me
- Ex-colleagues who I really rate being released from their assignments, some facing a return back to India if they can’t find anything else, registering and asking if I have anything
- A good friend of mine coming to me for help, having lost their jobs due to the pandemic
- An ex-colleague recommending a couple of great candidates to register with us, which they have
- People responding to the Tip for Job Seekers videos and registering
But I’ve not been able to get them the roles that I want to be able to help them with. I’ve not even been able to send the candidates in the scenarios above any of the roles we have because they’re not suitable… and I feel really guilty!
Prior to starting Finstech, just over 5 months ago now, I worked as an Accountant and a Project Manager in a number of industries. During that time I dealt with some really tricky situations as a manager; below average performance, lower than expected year end ratings equalling lower bonus, even having to ‘let people go’. But the guilt I feel in these scenarios somehow seems to be more overwhelming and intense than all these other things!
It’s kind of like survivors guilt, although obviously to a far lesser degree, especially knowing that a lot of them could face extremely difficult circumstances as a direct result. So, to try and stay positive and remove the feelings of guilt, I have taken, and will continue to take, the following 6 steps:
- Continue onboarding candidates, and hold a 30 minute call with each of them to understand their requirements and provide some advice on the market
- Provide feedback on candidate CVs, highlighting specific areas of improvement
- Highlight an individual candidate everyday, starting this week, as part of a daily spotlight series
- Contact companies & hiring managers who are recruiting for any appropriate roles for the candidates who have registered
- For recruitment consultants, offer a partnership/commission only arrangement so they have the opportunity to generate some income
- Do my best to help them find a job, whether it’s through Finstech or not
You’ll realise that these #initiatives could also benefit Finstech, and I’m definitely not claiming to be totally selfless because I’m not! In fact, I’m sharing this post for the following 2 reasons:
- Reach at least one conscientious recruiter who feels the same to give them some ideas of how to deal with this feeling and to remind them that people know it’s a tough market and, generally, appreciate whatever help you give them.
- To get feedback from people and ask if there are any other initiatives they have been doing that I could imitate that have helped job seekers and clients alike.
Any potential clients, please help me to help them to help you. Any candidates, if there’s anything more you’d like us to do, then please ask. We’re hear to help, it’s not about us, it’s about you.
