What kind of SHOPPER are you?

 

As a Talent Acquisition Leader there is a constant battle everyday in the war for talent. Your arms and ammunition seem to disappear in the current Tech market where sometimes even if you use the Brahmastra you still don't stand a chance. If you are in this field the last few months has been a crazy roller coaster ride. Everyday throws up new challenges and I remember remarking one day" This haggling needs to stop". While we keep looking for innovative ways to predict human behavior , I do think the onus needs to be shared with the candidates. Of course the below is a lighter take and purely for fun , though am curious if  you are a candidate do you identify with any of these categories? Even if you don't it's ok because I am pretty convinced I have met them all. 

Shopaholics

One offer isn’t enough for you. You keep shopping till you drop and the offers keep piling on till you can’t keep track. If you aren’t planning to use that offer, kindly tell the shopkeeper or return the product. Slightly exaggerated but as a candidate if salary  is your only criteria than this is your type. However flattering this is and it keeps fitting into your budget be cautious. Sometimes the sale conditions may have smaller disclaimers that you don’t see. If you aren’t picking up the offer, please be transparent and let the recruiter know. What are you waiting for? I will come back and confirm never happens. 

Window Shopper

You just keep applying to jobs attending interviews well cause its hybrid or WFH now so what’s the harm? Are you even seriously looking for a change or are you just playing to your odds? Let me see what’s out there. Matter of time before the shopkeepers pay no heed.

Bargain till you drop

I got the 30% hike so why not a Joining Bonus? Why not a permanent WFH? Of course negotiate and negotiate hard, its your career after all. Just be wary of the thin line between a strong negotiator to a perpetual bargainer. You are never going to be happy and the product may not even be there. Again the theory is smaller the shops you bargain more. Will you even try this with a luxury brand?

Elusive shopper

You will see a few people who will always reply when you ask “ That’s a smart outfit where did you get it?. Oh I don’t recollect , maybe when I was travelling”. Similarly, these folks right from taking interview to joining are as slippery as an eel. You are always at your wits end if they will show up or not? Maybe they don’t want to be “ seen” shopping at all. However smart is the shopkeeper who knows how to target these folks!

SALE Shopper   

There are folks who shop only during end of season sale as it makes logical and economical sense. Though these days this is morphed into different sales through the year. Similarly there are candidates who only look out post appraisal and incentive payout. Then there is still a slight addition and overall it’s a win -win for the shopper so why not?

Shop with a friend

There is another category of people who always have a friend tagging along when they shop. Just for reassurance. So while applying for jobs it's closely mirroring what their closest collegues are doing. This is actually an opportunity area for referrals!

Targeted Shopper 

Rare breed and a delight for the shopkeepers.  Research is done, they walk in buy and get out. No questions asked. In our parallel universe, these are candidates who know the role, the reason they want to move, clear the interview accept the offer and JOIN. As they say finders, keepers. Also offers another long discussion around how to attract this segment. 

Necessity Shopper

Yes the ones who buy when they need something. There is no need to upset the norm or change anything when things are going great. Why go to the mall and shop when you actually don't need anything? The ones who stay long in any organisation and understand their want so beautifully deserve an applause. While it's intrinsic external factors can help too to create this gem of a category.

We meet all these categories and more and always wonder what next is in store. The cycle as they say continues and makes it worthwhile thanks to a few anomalies in between.