Recruiting Executives In Tough Times

The skills shortage extends to white-collar ranks as well, with unemployment there estimated by the Dept. of Labor to be a minuscule 1.7%. Thats why Charles McCreary, president of Austin-McGregory International in Dallas, suggests companies no longer comparison shop. Instead, he says companies should just make an offer if a candidate meets its job criteria. "In the two to three weeks that it takes to interview other candidates, the first candidate will have gotten 50 calls from recruiters. In todays market, he who hesitates is lost." He also recommends companies follow the lead of Oracle Computer. Oracle has created virtual offices to employ high-powered people throughout the country, rather than having them relocate to its home office. "If Mohammed cant come to the mountain, move the mountain to Mohammed," says McCreary.