Flowing from the last post, here is Dale’s response to another question:

Are you open to cold approaches from prospective employees? What makes you say, “yes we are interested”?

Yes. The reason I am completely open to cold approaches is because I have no problem saying no.

I like to act as a connector, a little bit of ‘pay it forward’. One day it could be me out there asking somebody for help. I like someone who actually has the drive to get off their arse and approach me in an engaging way but often I am unable to offer them a job. I’m in the fortunate position that in probably at least half the roles I place, I place directly because I know enough people in the industry. I’m capable of going out and sourcing individuals. I also have through my direct network people who can say, “you need this person, they are absolutely right for you.” I don’t have a large unknown quantity coming to me. But often now, it’s my managers who hire, rather than me.

Increasingly approaches come through LinkedIn. I can deal with these in my own time. LinkedIn is great because it allows you to look at their profile. I can look at them and say, “there’s not anything for you here” or “okay, go and talk to this person.” I know the other hiring managers in Telstra Media and I can refer potential candidates through to the appropriate hiring managers or send their resumes on.

Often I will send the resume on the applicant’s behalf because I know that not all managers are open to a cold approach. So if it comes from me to the hiring managers, they know I would only forward potential candidates worth considering and they will be more open.

What is your preferred method of cold approach?

It varies, I’m a fairly social guy and am open to meeting almost anybody. If I can give someone a small slice of time, I will. I think phone is probably the worst way you can try and make contact me regarding employment. It can only work if I’ve met you and know you.

Using contacts to reach people increases the odds of success. I may be the appropriate person to speak to about a role, but you might know somebody who works with me so it’s better to contact them and have them come and talk to me. That is almost always the best way to go, but failing that, then you want to approach me via email.

Thanks for reading.

James E

James Evangelidis

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Tagged as: BigPond, Dale Cohen, What do Employers Really Want? (book)