What is intersting is that he found me via linkedin.  He reached out, contacted me and we had a chat.  While i am not interested in changing jobs at the moment, i know people that would be suitable and i will the eBay guy in touch with them.

This is a great example of a company that is forward planning.  eBay is using social networking to its advantage and it is appears to be delivering storng results.  More companies should take this approach.  Your target market is out there and they are using linkedin.  It is just a case of being systematic and organised in building contacts and developing networks.  It is also a great example of nurturing relationships.  While someone may not say yes today, the door is now open and you never know what the future holds.

It also puts the company (eBay in this case) in a great light.  They appear progressive, organised and innovative.

Who would want to be an executive recruiter?

Well a tool we use alot in the business in internal referral.  We have a $1500 reward for any employee who recommends someone else to join and that person survives their probation period.  We are looking modifying this so that it is scalable – $1000 for first person, $1500 for second, $2500 for third etc …

I reckon we have employed 30% of our staff using this method and it works.  The best thing is that one of the key success measures in employing a person is cultural fit.  Having those inside help employ ensures cultural fit (well most of the time!)

As the Chief Executive Officer, I have personally introduced some key people to the business – and often they are from other countries.  My CFO i have known for 10 years and was recruited from Germany, my CIO i have know for 6 years and was recruited from San Francisco, and our internal process improvement manager is also from Germany and someone i have known for ages.  And the list goes on.  It is not about jobs for friends, as i have some of my Senior management or the Board interview them too.

What is interesting is that our CFO has introduced another 3 people to the business – 2 from Germany.  This approach can also broaden your recruitment market from your local market to the world.

I am working on the theory that great people know great people and so on.