Presenting 25 Years of Recruiting Wisdom, Part 2

Last week, we presented the first part of a two-part interview with long-time Preferred Member recruiter Marc Tappis of Opportunity Search, Inc.

Tappis, who recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his firm opening its doors, has been very successful in Top Echelon Network.

And because we’re an absolute stickler for detail, we’re now going to publish the second part of that interview in this week’s issue of The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog.

In the true tradition of an interview, we asked Tappis to answer even MORE questions, and he was good enough to answer them.  His answers are below.

If there’s a recruiter you believe we should interview, send their name to marketing@topechelon.com.  If you believe that YOU should be interviewed, you can send your name to . . . the same email address.

How has Top Echelon Network affected your career as a recruiter?

TE has allowed me to expand my business base, increase my revenue, and provide a better service to my clients.  It has allowed me to keep my overhead down.  I never saw the need to hire a staff when I have countless Top Echelon recruiters available to assist with my recruiting needs.

Why do you think you’ve been so successful working with other recruiters and making split placements with them?

I’ve been able to build trusting relationships with a Core Group of recruiters.  I also try to keep things in perspective, treat other recruiters like I want to be treated, be honest, and try to add some humor and fun to the process.  I strongly believe that communicating and providing feedback to other recruiters throughout the process is really important.  A split placement is a team effort, and in most cases, input and actions from both sides make the deal happen.  This won’t happen if you don’t communicate and keep the recruiter you’re working with informed during the process.

What are some crazy things that candidates and hiring managers have said and done down through the years?

The list is long . . . a candidate telling a hiring manager that they can’t get out of bed in the morning and would like the job, but only if they can start at 10 a.m.; a candidate literally falling asleep in the reception area waiting to be called back for their 8:30 a.m. interview; a candidate bringing their children to an interview and asking the receptionist to watch them.

What advice do you have for somebody just starting out as a recruiter?

On one hand, it’s a simple business—work hard, build relationships, be honest, be organized, and don’t get frustrated, as there are a lot of ups and downs.  On the other hand, it’s not an easy business.  You need luck and perseverance, and you must be able to handle things out of your control.  You don’t control what candidates do and say or what clients do and say.

What else would you like to add?

This job is extremely stressful.  It’s important to find a way to relieve stress.  I’m an avid runner and have completed three marathons and numerous half-marathons.  Exercise is one of many ways to reduce stress.

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