But They Don't Exist!

"Okay, we're taking our business in a new direction.exist, they don't exist.
First order of duty-we need an internet expert,So how do you eliminate this problem? Questions.
primarily with extensive Web 2.0 experience. I'd sayQuestions. And more questions.
someone with, oh, I don't know, 15 years of
experience working with LinkedIn, Facebook, you1. When was the last time you needed to hire for
know what I mean. Go find them, we need themthis position? If it was last year, you probably have a
yesterday!"good idea of what you'll find out there. If it was 10
"But, ummm, Mr. CEO, Facebook, LinkedIn, all thatyears ago, you may be unpleasantly shocked at the
didn't exist 15 years ago, maybe we should-"rising salaries for this role, salaries that perhaps you
"Did I ask you for your thoughts? Go find someonedidn't have to keep up with because of such a loyal,
with 15 years, now!?"and perhaps small, staff you have in this position.
I know, ludicrous, right? Not so fast. You'd be2. Are you trying to create a hybrid role? There may
amazed at how often a recruiter, internal andbe some value in it, but no one else sees that same
external, is expected to find what doesn't exist, andvalue. And if that's the case, then you simply won't
no words will sink into the hiring manager's mind. Thatfind someone with that unique blend of skills. You'll
these people don't exist.need to focus on what's most important, and judge
Sometimes it's looking for a twenty year person at ayour candidates' ability on learning the new, critical skill
three year salary range. Sometimes it's absolutelyset swiftly enough to have the positive impact you're
needing a blend of skills that simply don't golooking for.
together, but since you're trying to create such a3. Is the technology so new, no one has they years
position, surely there must be hundreds of them outyou think you need? Then you may be in more luck
there. Willing to take a pay cut. And move to yourthan you can imagine. For these type of roles, the
small town, population 650. With no relocationskills may be abundant in those coming right out of
assistance.school, and simply need to be molded to the business
Every position needs a reality check beforeyou're in. Social networking comes to mind.
embarking on the recruiting for said superstar. AndIn summary, just be realistic. If you're hearing it from
everyone in the hiring team, from the hiring managerseveral sources, especially those recruiting specialists
to the human resources department to the externalthat source in your area daily, that you're
teams, needs to be on the same page, and beexpectations are out of reach, don't assume they're
involved in what exists versus what is desired. Youwrong. Instead, listen to suggestions, and while saying
may have created a breakthrough role that othersyou'd still like for your team to keep an eye out for
twenty years from now is going to be the standardthe dream, create a Plan B.
in all Fortune 500 organizations, but if they don't