|
|
Straight & Wobbly Lines To The US
by John Scott[Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3]
Recruitment Professionals
I have spoken and corresponded with US headhunters, a number of whom are clearly feeling bruised as a result of the state of the economy. One poor chap was almost in tears at the lack of activity given recruitment of any kind is usually first in to and not always first out of an economic downturn. Some have been very helpful. The larger ones tend to present a Catch 22 response – our research colleagues help identify suitable candidates and if you don’t pop up on their radar, we don’t have a conversation. Given that I am a self employed consultant several thousand miles away, the radar signals can only be weak.
Most headhunters have a web-based registration facility and indeed one is named after the all-knowing computer in 2001:A Space Odyssey. I don’t know if this is a good thing, but I haven’t heard much from HAL recently.
And I have made active use of European contacts and alumni from my old firm to make introductions across the pond, further reinforcing the insight that US IT, telecoms, financial and professional service businesses have been in interesting times recently.
Other Routes To Market
The wobbly or unorthodox approach has involved other activities.
US business schools are more entrepreneurial than their European counterparts with many academics enjoying reputations as consultants to global businesses. I have applied to a number to continue my consulting experience and get to the bottom of whether a nagging doubt about teaching will ever be more than a doubt.
In every application and discussion, I offer to visit in my time and at my expense. So far, there have been no takers.
I continue to write on HR, having published and presented on a number of subjects, enjoying the discipline of research and the challenge of committing my thoughts to paper. On this occasion, I also have a new subject - my career.
Hiking And Recruitment
In 2000 I hiked the 2160 mile Appalachian Trail to celebrate my 40th birthday and now believe I can do almost anything. Finding a job in the US must surely fit this category and I remain optimistic of success.
John Scott is a London-based European HR consultant having previously worked for Coopers & Lybrand. He was a prize winning MS student at LSE and his MBA is from City University Business School. John can be contacted on JSCOTT374@aol.com
HRM Guide makes minimal use of cookies, including some placed to facilitate features such as Google Search. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to the use of cookies. Learn more here
|
Contact
HRM Guide
|
Privacy Policy |
|
|
