Great Tasting Jobs

Based on the title of this blog entry, one might think I am about to discuss opportunities to work in the restaurant or food service world or perhaps positions opening up at wineries. This could not be further from my mind (or what is left of it as temps climb towards 90 degrees)! My thoughts have actually turned to a candidate who I helped find a new job back in the late '80's when there were more open jobs than candidates and people used rather unorthodox methods to plot their personal journeys.

While working as a rookie recruiter at a Central NJ staffing firm, I came across a client needing a moderately experienced industrial electrician. Without the benefit of the Internet back then, I took to our books of available candidates and found a young man who appeared to be a great match. As luck would have it, three of my colleagues were searching for similar candidates and we all zeroed in on the same person since supply was much lower than demand. The four of us put our heads together and crafted out a two day plan where this electrician would interview at all four sites. We hoped he would get perhaps two offers to choose from.

Needless to say, there was a bit of shock in our office when all four clients called with offers for the same candidate! To complicate matters even more, the pay rates and benefits were all very comparable. Our solution was to bring the candidate into our office and help him select what was best for him (though all four of us thought our job was the one he should take!) and he readily agreed to the meeting. It became apparent that he really loved all four facilities, the people at each place, and that the jobs were all terrific.

The deciding factor came down to one, totally unrelated item: FOOD! Our candidate managed to get a bite to eat at all four company's cafeterias and selected the one with the best tasting food! Having recruited now in parts of four decades (no, I am not that old yet!), I can assure you I have never seen food as the major factor for selecting a job ever again!

Today, many companies have replaced cafeterias with vending machines. Many barely offer a lunchroom devoid of any amenities whatsoever. Beyond that, who gets more than one offer to choose from these days! With all the high profile changes we have witnessed in our society, I think one of the most signifcant is that we do not necessaruily control our professional future anymore.

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!