Storms, Hurricanes & Hiring – What to do?
By: Vincent Scaramuzzo, President, Ed-Exec, Inc.
What a nightmare. You are trying to make some key organizational hires in the fall. These are the people that will help make next year a huge success. The timing is ideal – get them on-board now and up to speed for the New Year. But then….A Storm or Hurricane. What to do?
Unfortunately not much as it is a condition of living in this part of the country. September is Hurricane Season on the East Coast and we are all witnessing what a Hurricane like Irma can do. Then as you head into the winter months ice and snow storms can plaque the Carolina’s through New England with its own set of issues.
Either scenario can completely derail a hiring process from all angles. Relocation candidates are usually dead on arrival. If someone was going to move for your job, and a hurricane just took a stroll down your street – they will usually bail and I don’t blame them. Local candidates have a better survival rate but still present a challenge. Change is uncomfortable for everyone. Taking your job requires a candidate to make a change. So inherently we have to fight through human forces to make a great hire. However storms and times of “survival” make people even less prone to change. Often their house, neighborhood, or entire town has already changed from the storm. People tend to “hunker down” during these times and moving jobs becomes the last thing on their minds.
Here are some tips to keep you hire on track during times of natural disaster:
- Stay in touch with them often before the storm. A quick text, email, or call goes a long way.
- Don’t rush to make an offer right before the storm hits. The chaos after a storm and guilt of leaving their fellow colleagues in a time of peril will be too much to overcome. Chances of an offer being rescinded is high.
- Get back in touch with your candidate as quickly as possible after the storm. Make sure they are safe and well. If you can assist them in any way be sure to do so.
- Let them know you haven’t forgotten about them and would like to reconnect when things settle down.
- When things start getting back to normal invite your candidate to lunch or dinner. Spend some time with them to reconnect. The reasons they were interested in your position will resurface – then continue on with your normal hiring process.
Many of the candidates and clients we work with were and continue to be severely impacted by this hurricane season. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Hiring great talent is always difficult – but even more challenging during times of natural disaster. Hopefully these tips keep your hiring on track.
Vincent Scaramuzzo is the President of Ed-Exec, Inc. A leading Education Executive Search Firm. He is also a contributing author to various education publications. As a specialist in the education field for over a decade, Scaramuzzo works nationally with Education Institutions, PK-12, and Educational Service Providers Nationwide. He can be contacted at vincent@ed-exec.com 860-781-7641.