Why Communication Is Key - A Short Story

In recruitment we speak to many candidates throughout the week.  

One of the questions we ask is why are they looking to leave their current place of employment?  

Some of the reasons are as follows: salary, progression, training, culture, or anything else it might be.  

As recruitment consultants we do more than just place candidates into positions with the clients we work with, think of us as career coaches. We build relationships with our candidates, and we want what is best for them at the end of the day.  

There is nothing we can do about a company culture, unfortunately we are not miracle workers! But when it comes to other reasons, we can help you along the way.  

Let’s do a little role play: 

Christophe has been reaching out to candidates for a top SAP Consultant role he is required to fill for one of his clients. After many conversations he comes across Sam – the perfect candidate for the role. Sam has all the necessary requirements that the client has requested. So, Christophe picks up the phone and calls Sam straight away. 

After his introduction and time to find out about Sam’s skills and experience, Christophe asks Sam why they are looking to leave their current position. Sam has been in their current position for the past 5 years and feels like there is nowhere else to go in their career. There is nothing wrong with their company, they just feel like they have hit a brick wall where progression is concerned.  

Now Christophe has 2 choices: number one accept these reasons and submit Sam for the role he is recruiting for as he knows it will be an easy fill OR number two go into depth with Sam about the reasons why they want to leave. 

Being the caring consultant he is, Christophe opts for scenario two. 

After delving in a bit further, Christophe asks Sam if they have aired their concerns to their current manager. Sam hasn’t as they think it would be pointless and nothing will come of it. As much as Christophe would love to submit Sam for his role, he encourages them to speak to their manager. Sam agrees and thanks Christophe for his advice. 

A couple of days pass and Christophe decides to check in with Sam to see if their situation has changed. Sam informs Christophe that they spoke to their manager after speaking to him on the phone and aired their concerns. Sam’s manager appreciated them coming to them as they had no idea Sam was feeling this way. Their manager has set out a plan for them to progress within the company and given them extra responsibilities which also meant Sam had a small pay increase.  

Sam was appreciative of Christophe’s help and said that if their situation ever changed in the future, Christophe would be the first port of call. 

So, what have we learnt from this situation? It’s simple, sometimes leaving your current position may not be the right route for you to take. If the reasons you want to leave can be changed, speak to your manager, and see if they can help you with your career goals instead of hastily looking for another job to move on to. 

Be open with your employer about your goals and let them know if you want more from them to help you achieve them. The answer to all your “problems” could be solved with one conversation. 

A recruitment consultant is way more than just someone to find you a job. We know the market; we have spoken to many candidates in various situations where our advice has helped them make the right decision and most of all we are here to coach you along the way with your job-hunting venture.  

We're not just recruiters, we're career coaches.  

If you are currently looking for your next role but unsure which path to take, feel free to give our consultants at Focus on SAP a call today and we will be happy to help you.