Hey all. Wondering if anyone has poached former colleagues to come work with you and what the ROE/etiquette typically is around doing so.
Thanks!
ThomasRCallahanIII
Anyone poached former colleagues?
16
I have pulled several ex-colleagues to work with me at various companies.
Usually to avoid any solicitation issues, I wait at least 6 months before I start having any conversations.
This helps me both get the lay of the land to understand what kind of person would be successful and understand where we could use help.
Usually I identify which openings we have, then start talking to ex-colleagues about applying, while also talking to leadership about said ex-colleagues. If your company has a referral program, all the better.
Just make sure you get your ex-colleague's permission to talk about them so you don't put them (and possibly yourself) in an awkward spot.
As others have said, the vast majority of non-compete agreements are unenforceable. But watch out for those non-solicitation clauses.
Usually to avoid any solicitation issues, I wait at least 6 months before I start having any conversations.
This helps me both get the lay of the land to understand what kind of person would be successful and understand where we could use help.
Usually I identify which openings we have, then start talking to ex-colleagues about applying, while also talking to leadership about said ex-colleagues. If your company has a referral program, all the better.
Just make sure you get your ex-colleague's permission to talk about them so you don't put them (and possibly yourself) in an awkward spot.
As others have said, the vast majority of non-compete agreements are unenforceable. But watch out for those non-solicitation clauses.
Agree 100% on the non-solicitation and everything else said here ^.
One thing to add, I only approach people whom I trust and respect as far as competency & adding to the culture of your new company. I've turned down referring people (which can be weird) because I didn't want to stick my neck out & vouch for them.
One thing to add, I only approach people whom I trust and respect as far as competency & adding to the culture of your new company. I've turned down referring people (which can be weird) because I didn't want to stick my neck out & vouch for them.
Totally agree on that. It has to be the right fit, not just a body in a seat.
I'd only really worry about it if there was a non-solicit agreement in place. And then I probably wouldn't worry about it too much.
I’m the recently departed sales director. 4/5 of my top AEs have reached out asking if they can come work with me at my new gig, and 5/5 is asking for advice on how to seize the empty leadership role.
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I’ve had to turn down the 4, partially because I don’t want to get sued, but mostly because there’s no room for them at my new gig.
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They’re all now looking for new jobs, and 1 wants interview coaching. I’m a little flattered that they feel this way, but I’m also super choked that they no longer find their roles enjoyable. It’s also really shitty for the company for which I bear no ill will.
LMK when you're hiring
I sort of have, but wouldn't call it poaching.
The reality is most non-competes are unenforceable, so unless you had a specific clause in your contract that said you cannot poach then I'd just say don't be a dick about it?
The reality is most non-competes are unenforceable, so unless you had a specific clause in your contract that said you cannot poach then I'd just say don't be a dick about it?
It’s understood that a few will follow, but if you get aggressive about it beware.
hopefully they call you :)
hopefully they call you :)
Never have, mostly due to non-solicitation agreements put in place for 12-months after leaving a company.
I've been poached. ;) But it only worked because I was ready to go and the timing was definitely right. It just started with a "are you looking? There's something you might want to check out." And that's how I've started any conversation with my former colleagues. If they're looking anyway, it's a good conversation.
Oh heck yea.
About 6 months ago I left and pulled my best CSM partner as well as another AE.
We were so undervalued and company had taken a massive culture hit, the entire leadership team was removed shortly after and they've still yet to find their footing.
About 6 months ago I left and pulled my best CSM partner as well as another AE.
We were so undervalued and company had taken a massive culture hit, the entire leadership team was removed shortly after and they've still yet to find their footing.
No, not yet. But it is the plan.
Yeah- you need to read the agreement you signed to make sure you're not violating any terms of your employment/departure. 12 months is standard. If you want to get around that because you really just want the people there, you can have your recruiting team ask you who you'd ideally like to see from that company.
I have never due to agreement, don't want to get in trouble for a few bucks 😅
All the time! If I can get a friend to work with me at a new company, AND get a referral bonus, count me in!
"with you" versus "for you" are key here. I almost got sued by a nightmare of an employer after one of my work pals joined me at my current company. The only thing that saved me was that she wasn't my direct report, and that was what was specified in our non-compete.
I just recruited 4 of my former colleagues and they couldn't be happier. Made some damn good commissions from them.
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