Square Pegs in Round Holes
The other day, I had a conversation with a seasoned recruiter who was feeling quite disheartened. He explained that over the past 6 months, he’d encountered several candidates who accepted positions only to resign after a few months. He spoke specifically about one candidate for whom he had negotiated vigorously to secure the right compensation and benefits that would yield the best outcome for all parties involved.
The employer was elated to have filled such a high-level role, and the candidate was enthusiastic. However, just 3 months into the role, the candidate decided to leave.
Having been a recruiter myself, I empathized with his frustration. He discussed the various measures he had implemented to ensure the candidate’s contentment, staying in touch and addressing all their inquiries. He even arranged an introductory day prior to the commencement date. So, where did things go wrong?
The candidate possessed the correct skills and experience, and the company offered a suitable compensation package. So, what was lacking?
The position entailed working for a manufacturing organisation, and although it appeared to provide everything the candidate had requested, they grew dissatisfied. Upon probing, the candidate was forthright; they felt that the role failed to give them a sense of purpose. They were simply going to work, performing their tasks, and going through the motions.
While I can’t personally vouch for the candidate, based on all the information I gleaned from the recruiter (I did ask numerous questions), it seems that this candidate yearned for a role they could truly believe in. They needed their position to feel meaningful and significant – what Motivational Mapping labels as a ‘Searcher’.
Naturally, I seized the opportunity to discuss the utility of Motivational Mapping in the realm of recruitment. It could potentially save substantial time and costs for all parties involved. This tool could allow candidates to readily identify the conditions necessary for their success, enable recruiters to confidently select candidates aligned with the environment, and empower employers to avert needless expenses and wasted training.
If you’re curious about how Motivational Maps could enhance your recruitment process, please get in touch. I certainly wish I had been aware of this tool back when I was a recruiter.




