I read a fair amount of material directed at employers and recruiters because it lends insight to my advocacy for job-seekers.

I often read the articles at ERE, a site for recruiters.

A well-done recent piece was by frequent contributor Kevin Wheeler. He wrote a case study (free registration may be required) — which, of course, is just another term for “story,” about a recruiter having difficulty finding candidates for highly specialized jobs in robotics. Here’s a snippet:

Hiring managers wanted prior experience in robotics, if possible, or experience in manufacturing or designing miniature components or nanotechnology. They wanted engineers capable of demonstrating these products to a global customer base. And each robot had to be installed and “tuned” for each customer, which frequently required foreign travel for a long period of time.

Even though Paul had pushed back on these tough requirements, he had not been able to change their opinions. And his sourcing team couldn’t find the right people.

So here he sat on a lovely afternoon, befuddled and at a loss. Should he quit? Did he admit defeat? Was there a way out? What strategies or tactics could he apply to this situation that might rescue him, and the organization?

Wheeler ended the story by asking his readers to suggest strategies/tactics to solve the dilemma.

Readers responded robustly with detailed and insightful suggestions. Wheeler promises to cull and comment on the responses in a future article.

What a great technique to engage readers — write a story that lacks an ending and ask your readers for input to end the story, solve the problem.