My client decided to promote his junior staff because it was cheaper.
(Part 1 of 2 — two interesting things happened last week. This one stung more.)
A Director-level candidate I'd placed had just resigned.
☎️ My client called me straight away:
"Same search. Same level. Let's go."
So I sent over 4 CVs.
And when I say good, I mean apple-to-apple good
(Direct competitors!!)
He met all 4.
I was already mentally banking the fee. 💰
Then the feedback came:
"All 4 candidates were outstanding.
Honestly. But I gave it some thought.
Instead of paying HK$100–130k a month for a Director,
I've decided to coach my Senior Associate.
He's on HK$50k. He costs half to do the Director's job."
I was speechless.
Even though my time was wasted (As recruiters don't get paid until the candidate starts work!!!)
Here's what bothered me more in the longer term:
→ That's one fewer senior job in the economy. (Fewer and fewer jobs in the economy)
→ That's a Director's workload, now sitting on a HK$50k salary. (Can that senior associate handle that?)
→ That's the market quietly saying: "good enough and cheap" beats "excellent and expensive." (Companies are getting leaner and leaner)
I hope this trend slows down!!
I think the world should treasure more talent!!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of the story the next next day.
📌 PS: If you’re job hunting today, feel free to check out my guides on:
📊 Interview Preparation for Success
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