10 Questions & Answers by Priscilla Poirier, Toronto Financial Services & Insurance Recruiter
IQ PARTNERS would like you to get to know some of our recruiters. Each month we ask one of them the same 10 questions about their lives, the headhunting business, and what you should know as a talent seeker or candidate in the current job market. Meet Toronto Recruiter, Priscilla Poirier.
1. What’s the first or oddest job you ever had?
The first real job I had was in Goderich, Ontario at the “Burger Bar” when I was 14. I learned a lot about customer service… and how to make the perfect milkshake. The oddest job I ever had? I am a huge animal lover and when I was in elementary school I jumped at the opportunity to make some quick cash as a helping hand at a weekend dog show – little did I know my role would be the pooper scooper at hand.
2. Who are your heroes in business?
I have a laundry list of people who I look up to for different reasons. In general, I have the most respect for those who find success and make a point of giving back and helping others achieve success along the way.
To be more specific, my parents for sure. They taught me the value of hard work. With minimal education and money backing them up they were able to succeed as entrepreneurs and I really admire their hard work and determination. Also, my current managers, Riel LaPointe and Ross Campbell; I have never felt as much support in a job as I do today. They have taught me the recruitment business can be done differently and they continue to lead by example. I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.
3. How do you think the recruiting business could be improved?
Listen more, talk less. There are many times when I have witnessed this business becoming more about the recruiter and their needs and less about the candidate and what’s best for them. More recruiters should listen to their candidates and, instead of just trying to make submissions, try to understand what they’re really looking for. If submitting them for a job takes too much convincing, it’s probably not the right role for them!
4. What’s your secret in connecting smart people and great companies?
There is no secret. It’s being a good judge of character and playing a game of matchmaker. You have to know what the company and candidate are looking for, listen carefully and align the two.
5. If you could only ask clients one question when getting a recruiting brief, what would it be?
What is your approved budget for this role?
There is no point in conducting a search for a role if there is no approval for that hire or if the rate is unrealistic.
6. What question should every candidate ask when a headhunter calls?
What is the purpose of this call?
Headhunters can call for many different reasons. It could be an introduction as a recruiter is getting to know the best candidates in the market, or to pitch a specific job, or it might even be a reference call.
7. What trait do you most like to see in a job-seeker?
Two traits are the most important for me…
Transparency: It’s important to build a trusting relationship with your recruiter. Be upfront about your past experience and your objective with your recruiter. Finding out surprises along the way can sometimes tarnish the relationship and cause that level of trust to diminish.
Enthusiasm: I like when I can hear genuine interest and excitement from candidates when I’m presenting them for job opportunities.
8. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen in an interview or on a resume (no names please)?
There have been a few. I once reviewed a resume that had “swinging” listed in the hobbies section. I also had a colleague who conducted an interview in their candidate’s sports car. Sometimes you just have to roll with it!
9. What’s the one quality companies should look for when hiring a headhunter?
Hire a headhunter with passion and motivation. They should also share the same values as your company. Soft skills can always be taught.
10. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Nothing is perfect but finding the happiness in whatever you’re doing is as close as it gets.
IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm in Toronto. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Financial Services & Insurance, Marketing Communications & Media, Emerging Tech & Telecom, Consumer Goods & Retail, B2B & Industrial, Technology, Accounting & Finance, HR & Operations and Mining & Engineering. IQ PARTNERS has its head office in Toronto and operates internationally via Aravati Global Search Network. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.
