“All about fit”

We’ve used this tag line since Phil and I formed Peckham & McKenney back in 2004.? We knew that taking the time to familiarize ourselves with our client organizations and communities was crucial in identifying and screening candidates for a long-term fit.? This attention to organizational culture has led to stable and long-tenured placements, some staying for up to 19 years!? In fact, 89% of our placements remain with our clients for over 5 years.
?
About 10 years ago, I was personally challenged by a staffing consultant about my ability to identify “fit.”? I very lightly responded that I used my gut instinct – something that I believed I had honed over 23 years in local government executive search.? This same consultant, who had been retained by my client agency to assist with lower-level recruitments, challenged that my “gut” was no judge of talent and that her testing processes always led to the best fit within her client organizations.

Through active listening and taking the time to become completely familiar with my client’s organization, mission, and culture, the “ideal candidate” profile was created. ?Based on our firm’s experience, extensive database, and active contacts, I then carefully created my list of potential candidates who fit this profile.?As I conducted my outreach efforts on this particular recruitment, I immediately contacted a candidate who I knew and felt would be a perfect fit for the position.? I was thrilled when she applied as did other well-qualified candidates.
?
As part of her contract, the consultant administered a testing process with a group of my 10 leading candidates.? Unfortunately, my top-ranked candidate’s score was below the acceptable rate, and the consultant recommended that the candidate not be moved forward in the process.? Against this consultant’s wishes, I encouraged my client to consider the candidate regardless of her testing rank.? Ultimately, she was selected, and she remains in that position today – 10 years later!
?
Sometimes, you just have to trust your gut.?
?
Bobbi

?