Today's Market is NOT an Easy One in Which to Recruit

I have been in recruiting in the Supply Chain space for over 15 years.  There is a popular belief floating around that I would like to try to dispell.  As always, there are exceptions to every rule, I know.  Many people out there (except for we Recruiters) believe that because of all of the layoffs and downsizings that this is an easy market in which to find and recruit Supply Chain professionals.  Let me tell you, this is not true.  Personally, this has been the most challenging time that I've ever experienced. Top talent has and always will be hard to find - and when I say "top", I don't just mean their experience and skills - it goes much further than that i.e. leadership, articulateness, communication, drive, presentation, stamina, culture.  The specifications of open positions and the demands of hiring managers and their teams have become so particular, that even finding candidates that hit MOST of what is being asked for is difficult.  Top talent has been retained by their current employer for a reason - they are good, bring value and fill a need.  So, when we do identify that needle in the haystack, it is very difficult to entice them to consider a move.  YES, there are great candidates out there that are not currently working and if the perfect fit isn't presented to them (or found by them), they may consider a "step back" in their career - generally, my clients aren't interested in this situation because they fear the person may leave in a year or so when a larger role with another company comes into play.  And last but not least, if the candidate is not local, relocation has become a fear trigger as I've never seen it before.  Not just for the candidate, but for their partner (if there is one) - How will we sell the house?  Will I be able to find a job?  What will the kids do while you're commuting back and forth?  How will we pay for 2 mortgages?  So the question is:  HOW do we attract and successfully recruit the talent we need?  I think this is subject matter for my next blog...