Did you ever watch the old sit-com Three’s Company?
At the risk of dating myself, I’ll confess that it was one of my favorite shows as a kid. (I watched it in syndication, of course.) By today’s standards, it would be considered insanely politically incorrect, but the shenanigans cracked me up.
If you ever tuned in, you know that the plot always revolved around some sort of misunderstanding. I distinctly remember being exasperated — and amused — as I watched a small misunderstanding snowball into some near-catastrophic situation, only to be resolved just in the nick of time. I couldn’t help but think that the drama would have easily been avoided with just a little more communication.
As it turns out, we have recently had a few little Three’s Company moments here at Talent Market. Despite Talent Market having been around for nearly ten years, there is still some confusion about exactly how we can help nonprofit organizations with searches for talent. And while things aren’t looking like a full-blown sit-com, we wanted to take this opportunity to communicate about how we can be of assistance to our liberty-loving friends when it comes to hiring.
We’ve provided all of the details you should know below. If you need help with a search and can answer YES to all of the following questions, Talent Market may be able to help!
- Is your organization a free-market 501(c)3?
Talent Market works exclusively with 501(c)3 organizations that focus on reducing the size and scope of government and advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. - Does the opening fall into one of the following categories: entry, mid, junior, senior, or executive level?
Ok, this is a trick question. While Talent Market used to focus on senior openings, we recently opened up our work to include all levels! - Is the opening a full-time, permanent position?
Talent Market assists with full-time, permanent positions. We do not assist with searches for part-timers, freelancers, interns, contractors, or consultants. - Would you like to launch your search in the near future?
Talent Market works on searches in which we are proactively engaged before the search is launched, and we jointly launch the search together with the client. We do not assist with previously launched searches. When you come to us before a search is launched, we can help you put together a solid job description, determine an appropriate salary, understand market trends, and generally save you a headache or three. We’ll also let you know if you’re looking for a unicorn….it happens. - Would you like Talent Market to manage the search process for you?
Talent Market manages searches for talent. We do not advertise or recruit for searches we aren?t managing. When Talent Market “manages” a search, this means we serve as the initial point of contact for all candidates and there aren’t different job postings with different contact information/application instructions floating about — all candidates are directed to apply through the Talent Market system. We keep the client organized and keep the candidates informed. In short, managing a search maximizes our work, minimizes your work, and makes the process more efficient! - Would you still like to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions about candidates?
Good! That’s exactly where you should be! It is important to note that when we manage a search, the client still makes 100% of the decisions and sees every applicant. If you’re interested in a candidate, we will let that person know you’ll be reaching out to arrange an interview. Or, if it would be helpful for us to phone screen the most promising candidates, just let us know. And, of course, we handle rejections, too! (Thankfully, we had a lot of practice with rejection in high school.) - Is your hiring manager able to work directly with Talent Market on the search?
Talent Market has found that the most effective and efficient way to manage a search for an organization is to work directly with the hiring manager. - Are you looking to hire someone who is free-market oriented?
Talent Market’s network is full of people who believe in reducing the size and scope of government, advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. If you’re looking for someone like this, you’ve come to the right place! If philosophical alignment is not important for your hire, we’re probably not the best source of talent for you. - Does the opening fall into one of the following categories: communications/media, policy/research, fundraising, executive management, events, project management, legal, outreach, finance, operations, administration, or technology?
Ok, that was another trick question. Talent Market assists with searches for all types of talent. Our network is full of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills. - Are you hoping to avoid paying a huge hunk of money to find the talent you need?
Talent Market is a nonprofit and does not charge nonprofits for its services. We?ll wait here while that sinks in. We know it?s a crazy concept, but it?s been working like a charm for 10 years. As a nonprofit entity, Talent Market is funded solely through direct, tax deductible contributions. Our clients often support the work of Talent Market by making voluntary financial contributions; and for that, we are eternally grateful! (Keep in mind that private sector recruiters often charge clients 20-30% of annual compensation. And we?re doing what we do for free! Who loves you, baby?)
We hope this extra communication clears up any remaining confusion about how Talent Market can help your free-market nonprofit. And with all of the time Talent Market will save you on your next search, maybe you can catch a Three’s Company re-run?
