Imagine the following: You are happily working at your desk. The phone rings. You pick it up to hear an unfamiliar voice say “Hey (your name).” “Google is interested in interviewing you for a job.” You are flattered, but say “Thanks, but I really enjoy working here at (your business name).” The voice then responds by saying, “I understand you love your job, but I will give you $600 just to interview.” “Interested now?” Well it may really happen to you, sooner than you think. But why would someone pay just to interview you? Let’s step back for a minute.
For a company to be successful, it is critical to have the right people. Ask any executive “What makes your business special?” and chances are most will reply, “Our People.” Some are genuine in stating this, while others just like to pay lip service to the masses. Still, if people are the most important asset that a company has to offer, it stands to reason that a significant investment should be made in finding and keeping the best available talent. (Think Southwest Airlines) How does one do this? Traditionally this has been done via headhunters, word of mouth, classified ads, online job boards, or recruiting / job fair events. Well the times they are a ‘ changing.
NotchUp.com is a new site where people can post their professional information confidentially. Prospective employers then search for the right candidates, and offer money in exchange for an interview. The site claims to be designed for people who are 1. happy at their current job, 2. Good at what they do, and 3. Not looking for another job. Talk about turning things upside down. Surprisingly, there is a potential for employers to actually save money by using the service through a reduction in payouts to professional recruiting firms. Companies like Yahoo (who runs HotJobs), Google, and Barracuda Networks are listed as clients on the NotchUp site. Certainly this is a remarkable approach to employee recruiting.
Why do I think this is a good idea? First, I love the fact that it is totally different. This is a new approach – a purple cow. It will get people talking and it has the potential to change the recruiting game completely. Second, I am a firm believer that one should invest in good talent. It is the best marketing tool available. If it takes a few hundred bucks to get time with a top level prospect, spend it. As Jim Collins says, “Get the right people on the bus.” Third, the idea that employers are seeking out the happily employed, means that smart employers will want to go an extra mile to retain good talent. I wish this would have been around a few years back when I was downsized out of a job. At that time, I went on so many interviews, that had I of been paid for them, I would now be retired – or at least rich.
It will be interesting to see if “Money Talks” when it comes to finding the best and brightest. What do you think of this concept of paying people for interviews? If your phone rings, will you be interviewing for dollars?
Thanks to Heather at CIO.Com for the article that led me to NotchUp.
Recruiting Firm Pays Candidates for Job Interviews – CIO.com – Business Technology Leadership
