I was following some Twitter banter this week and stumbled across a discussion for a blog show regarding recruiters who do splits.  There seemed to be a strong sentiment that recruiters who engaged in splits were not good sourcers and all recruiters would eventually work for sourcers.  I don't see that really happening.  Call a sourcer a recruiter and their skin begins to itch, and I would guess the feeling is mutual.

When I talk about splits, I don't mean participating in splits boardsor working with random people online. I mean partnering with someoneyou trust. In this economic climate with fewer searches and clients more willing to bring recruiting in-house, time to identify quality candidates, and ultimately, time to fill is crucial.  Not just crucial, but imperative for a business' survival. 

As an independent search recruiter with 15+ years experience, this is where the rubber meets the road.  My clients want the best candidates the moment they ask for assistance, and if I don't deliver quickly, my competition is ready to step in.  Thus, I have a trusted network of recruiters, the non-corporate types that think big, that I can call on for backup if needed.  In my opinion, this can work very well and has for me on several occasions, and from both sides of the table. Last year the result was three placements I would not have had otherwise. The transactions were seamless, and it generated new opportunities, not only for me professionally, but for my candidates.

In my situation, I gave another recruiter a referral for a new search, but also shared a new search as well. Ultimately, the arrangement worked.  We both came out on top. Most importantly, the client also achieved its goal, and there is plenty of repeat business. If it is a fit, why not go for it?  I am no closer to working for that recruiter than she is working for me. 

Good recruiters have the good jobs and they also have the good referrals.  It takes both to be successful.

Happy Hunting,
Leigh