Why one million LinkedIn users in Thailand is irrelevant

  • Post published:14/09/2015
  • Reading time:8 mins read

PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2015

Congratulations to LinkedIn for just recently passing one million members in Thailand. Out of context, you too would agree that this is a significant achievement. But here is the but, and it’s a big but!

A few years ago, I asked in my blog if LinkedIn was killing the recruitment industry. They say that Curiosity Killed the Cat; a reference to the dangers of unnecessary experimentation and speculation.

Herein lies a possible answer to the question of whether LinkedIn is in the process of pushing the executive search and recruitment profession over the cliff. Dear reader: hold your speculation.

LinkedIn reports that they now have 380 million members in over 200 countries and territories.

  • 56% are male
  • 87% are 35 years of age or older
  • The US has 107 million users, while the UK has 17 million
  • 61 million users are registered in Asia
  • 10 million users are located in China and 7 million are in Australia
  • Thailand has 1 million users
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3 things recruitment agencies do not tell clients

  • Post published:21/08/2015
  • Reading time:6 mins read

If you think all situations are black and white, it is obviously a simplification of what happens in the real world. There are always exceptions to the generally accepted rule of how agency recruiters make their money. On the other hand, famous author Tom Peters said: “Perception is reality”. You be the judge this time.

1. Don’t use a recruiter who will not meet you

246_teamwork_colourRecruitment agencies typically charge a fee, which is based on the placed candidate’s compensation, somewhere around two to three months’ salary and allowances; but charged in full only after you have hired their candidate.

You can compare the recruitment agency’s work as playing a lottery. They are not paid if their client does not hire their candidate. The consultant does not receive any commission, if the client chooses a candidate from another agency.  As a client has no obligation to the agency whatsoever, except to pay if they hire a candidate, the client will often engage several agencies at the same time for the same position. They do so because it’s free, nothing to lose and because they think each agency has their own pool of candidates (which in fact they don’t; most candidates register their resume with many recruiters, so the pool is pretty identical no matter where you go).ChessSet copy (more…)

Candidates are getting lost

  • Post published:24/07/2015
  • Reading time:5 mins read

No sir, no madam, they are not getting lost because they cannot find your office. This is a lot more serious than that.4211_gps_color

According to a recent report from ERE Media on subjects of recruiting intelligence, employers are losing more candidates than ever before as time to fill vacant positions grows. If you are in the business of hiring people, either as a company hiring manager, HR Manager or a third party recruiter and headhunter, it should be no surprise that applicants and candidates are not exactly queueing up in front of your office. Well, perhaps except in Greece or Spain, or if you are lucky to work for Apple or Google.

The simple reason is that the unemployment rate in Thailand is almost non-existent and will likely stay so for a long time. A contracting labour market is something I have talked about for years. It will not go away. Deny or refuse to acknowledge that fact, which is blatantly obvious, is like putting your head in the sand like an ostrich. (more…)

Are you breathing your own exhaust?

  • Post published:29/06/2015
  • Reading time:4 mins read

Can I ask you: Are you one of the many executives who do not spend enough time on networking in your local business community? I’m asking, because in my more than 10 years in recruitment and search, I have received calls from many executives who have lost their job. Perhaps been told to return to head office in Europe or elsewhere – but don’t want to. In any case, a sudden overpowering feeling of fear and state of anxiety feel like kicks in the gut. Ever been there?2885_blurb_purple

So why is it that too few prioritise this activity?

Breathing your own exhaust is dangerous. No, this has nothing to do with your car and exhaust pipe. It’s everything to do with an isolated mind that starts believing you can walk on water; meaning a self-perception that you can break through personal limitations and achieve dramatic success all by yourself. It leads to arrogance, a closed mind, a restriction on your perception, and a kind of know-it-all person. It takes special effort to see the world from any perspective other than through our own eyes. (more…)

The real truth about working with headhunters

  • Post published:28/05/2015
  • Reading time:8 mins read

So let’s start by addressing the biggest myth in recruitment; that of recruiters finding jobs for people. I’m sorry to tell you, and to be blunt about this, but it’s not only a myth – it’s totally nonsense. Recruiters and headhunters do not find jobs for people; they find people for jobs!

  • Finding people for jobs
  • Finding jobs for people

2951_thought_redWhen you think about it, these two models are very different concepts. They are so far from each other that I wouldn’t even use the popular Thai expression, “same same but different”. In this particular case, they’re very different concepts and not the same at all.

If you have ever been approached by a recruiter or headhunter about a new job opportunity, you know that recruiters are not paid by the candidates but by their client companies. Clients pay recruiters to identify and present suitable candidates for very specific positions, with very specific and hard-to-find requirements. Yes, we help clients find candidates they cannot. (more…)

Survey: 99 percent will consider a new job offer

  • Post published:25/09/2014
  • Reading time:3 mins read

Over a thousand people took part in our recent research survey – thank you for your time and consideration. Now it’s time to reveal the results. Let me tell you…

Can I ask you a question?

  • Post published:27/08/2014
  • Reading time:2 mins read

To take the survey right now, go ahead and click here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R87YXMQ As the title would suggest, this month I want to ask you something so I have prepared a…