In a post from the archive, John Sullivan points out some of the benefits of having your recruiting prospects meet with your CEO.
CEOs are great salespeople. It’s hard to ascend to the role of CEO without being able to sell a vision. When effectively briefed about a prospect’s job acceptance criteria, most CEOs can close the deal.
It creates the feeling of a partnership. I recommend that the CEO use a phrase like ‘I need your help,’ when conversing with prospects. The goal is to build the feeling that new talent will directly affect the future of the company for many years.
There’s a high probability of execution. The prospect knows that any promises that are made have a high probability of coming true because they are backed by the power, resources, and integrity of the CEO.
It guarantees future access. The fact that the CEO will meet with a prospect now will leave the impression that they will have continued access after they are hired.
It gives a prospect bragging rights. Talking directly to the CEO is something notable that the prospect can tell their friends about even if they don’t get hired.
If you’re not doing so already, put your CEO to work!
This may be best way he or she can contribute to helping you reach your recruiting goals.
