man and woman shaking hands
The Batten Group logo (white background)
Greetings!     

smooth sailingDo you ever wonder why a lead candidate gets to the finish line but doesn't accept the offer presented to them? Miscommunication is to blame.  At some point in the hiring process, communication between the company and candidate breaks-down and trust is weakened.
 
As a third party buffer, we interpret the needs of our clients and our candidates.  We honestly convey the desires of both parties in an objective, non-threatening manner.  
 
Because both parties are completely informed during every step of the hiring process, you can rely on our candidates to accept the employment offers they are given. 
 
There are no rough seas when working with The Batten Group. It's smooth sailing from begining to end.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jim Batten
The Batten Group
The Hiring Funnel
What Does It Take To Find The Perfect Candidate?
 
hiring funnelDepending on the market and the job qualifications, it can take upwards of 400 points of contact (phone calls, emails, resume reviews) to net 2-4 suitable candidates. Hardly an efficient use of an executive's time! 
 
Work smarter with The Batten Group.  We'll help you fill your important management positions with a targeted and proven plan to attract top talent. 
 
Let's get to work: jim@thebattengroup.com
Meeting Face To Face
The Intangibles Are Often The Most Important
 
first impressionBefore we present a slate of candidates to you for final interviews we meet them, face to face.  It's an important step and the finishing piece in our qualifying process. 
 
Beyond interpreting the resume, the phone interview, and the reference calls, we insist on meeting each of our final candidates.  Years of experience has taught us that it's often the first impression that makes the final decision.
 
Recently I had a disappointing meeting with a candidate I thought would be first in line for the job.  Her resume was perfect, our phone interviews were impressive and her references were impeccable.  However, after spending time with her I quickly realized that I couldn't recommend her for the position.  Her intangibles weren't a match for the client.
 
Here are the ten intangible qualities we look for in the face to face meeting: 

1. Are they punctual?

2. Do they feel at ease? 

3. Do they present themselves professionally; particularly with their attire?

4. Do they express individuality appropriately within the context of the interview.

5. Do they have an engaging smile?

6. Are they open and confident?

7. Does their body language project proper confidence and self-assurance?

8. Can they make suitable small talk?

9. Does their positive attitude show through in their answers to questions?

10. Are they courteous and attentive with good manners?

The Batten Group can help you improve your hiring results.  Contact us today! jim@thebattengroup.com 
The Counter Offer
You're Out The Door But Your Boss Wants You To Stay ... 
 
counter offerEmployers, desperate to hang onto top talent in this tight labor market, have been using counteroffers with increasing frequency. But despite a rise in employers using the tactic, employment experts around the country agree accepting counteroffers is usually a bad career move.
 
We coach our candidates in advance about the possibility of their current job making them a counter offer.  If faced with a counteroffer, we remind them that salary is rarely the reason employees look for new jobs. Before accepting a fatter paycheck and staying on board with the current company, we encourage them to take a hard look at what's really at the core of their dissatisfaction in their current job. The largest raise won't fix issues such as environment, lack of advancement and lack of exposure to new skill sets.

Our Advice to our Candidates:  Inform your boss in a cordial yet firm voice that your mind's made up, however, you'll do all you can to make the transition process easier.  Work out your notice fully, and be professional about your departure. You might still feel awkward during your last few weeks; that's just human nature. But by exiting in a graceful manner, you've hopefully left behind some solid references as well as some friends.

Read the complete article from our website.
In This Issue
The Hiring Funnel
Meeting Face to Face
The Counter Offer
Testimonials
 

My experience with search firms has mostly been from the corporate side.  Recently I had the opportunity to work with Jim Batten, from the candidate side, and I was thoroughly impressed with his thoroughness, professionalism and human touch.  He worked with me closely to understand what my values and talents were to ensure the best fit for his client.  He spent a lot of time coaching me on the client needs so I completely understood the role and expectations of the position.

As a result, I received an offer for a senior executive position in HR and I am thrilled with the opportunity.  I've worked with all the major search firms but I've never experienced this level of service with anyone else.  I highly recommend Jim Batten to any company looking to fill a key leadership position or to any candidate interested in dealing with the best."

 

Senior Vice President, Human Resources at one of America's leading nonprofit health agencies

 
 
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These one-day training sessions are perfect for Board Retreats, National Conferences or Staff Development.
 
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Call The Batten Group today to reserve your workshop (704) 841-2099.
 

The Batten Group logo (white background)

1122 Sam Newell Road
Matthews, NC  28105
 
(704) 841-2099 office
(704) 651-7858 cell
(704) 849-2582 fax
 
jim@thebattengroup.com