Looking for a real fit

Psychologist Elisabeth Marx, who works for the London-based search firm Hanover Fox, and author of Breaking Through Culture Shock , says that candidates today ˜look more for a real fit with the individuals they will work with, and particularly the boss they work for.' She adds, ˜They are also driven to a company by the uniqueness of the culture and how they perceive the mood. Basically, how will they and their expectations fit in.'

Marx also observes that other factors play far more in the candidate's decision to join any business. ˜Most smart candidates are not interested in instant gratification,' she explains, ˜they are not concerned about stability, money, or instant success. They ask one question, 'will it enhance my career - long term ?''

The other thing that Marx has observed as a critical sea change in the marketplace is that ˜people look to join companies with a strong brand image. In 1999 they'd go anywhere if the money was right - not now.' In all this there has been a real seismic shift in the tectonic plates of employment and employee engagement, reversing in many cases the fine footwork of the mating dance . Candidates choose companies, not the other way around. There is little hint of sweaty-palmed interviews and landing a job at any price.

Two favourite quotes from a UK electronics industry executive and a US automotive vice-president, which indicate how much the recruitment process has changed:

• ˜I think prospective employees still ask the same questions, they just listen a whole lot closer to the answers.'

• ˜Prospective employees know a whole lot more about your business than they ever did. They are going to ask you, 'Why did these people leave? What are your plans for this division?' Five years ago no one would ever have asked these type of questions.'