CLEVELAND -

In the recruitment profession, we look for what are called career seekers, not job seekers. 

There is a world of difference.  I teach my recruiters and my clients to look for career seekers for several reasons. Career seekers are looking to “become something more” and “add career value” when they seek a new position. 

Career seekers will be excited the day they get started because they are beginning a new chapter in their career. The job seeker will be happy that the ordeal of finding a job is over.  These are entirely different mindsets.

Here are a few more attributes of career-seeking individuals that could benefit your operation: 

— Career seekers will likely put more effort in becoming very good at their work.

— Career seekers will invest more money, effort and energy in developing their careers.

— Career seekers are looking long-term and will make decisions that will benefit them long-term.

— Because they are looking long-term, career seekers will be more selective and take more time to make a decision.

— Career seekers will talk to mentors and other trusted people before committing to a new position.

— Job seekers will come to interview “all enthused” and will “jump through any hoop,” which is attractive to many managers, but is not an indicator of high performance.

People change positions for a reason.  Career seekers will want to learn about your position, company, industry and you. Make it easy for them to learn about these during the interviewing process.  

There are two questions I like to ask that help me learn if I have a career seeker or a job seeker:

— Where do you see yourself in five years?

— What are you currently doing to get there?

A career seeker will have a plan. The career seeker will be enthused when they understand the value your position will add to their career.

Don Jasensky founded Automotive Personnel in 1989. Automotive Personnel is a national search firm that places managers and executives in automotive finance companies and dealerships. He can be reached at (800) 206-6964, ext. 21 or via email at don@searchpro1.com.