After I made the critical decision to leave my company and look for a better opportunity I considered the next appropriate steps. I updated my resume, sent it to the key toy head hunter agencies, business acquaintances and friends. I had never used a toy head hunter in the past, but everyone I knew said this was the way to go. Almost immediately, I received a very friendly phone call from David stating that he had received my information and he wanted to chat. Chat we did. David made me very comfortable and I felt from the first phone call that we had become friends.
David also brought me immediate opportunities to consider that nicely aligned themselves with what I was looking for. After research on my part, conversations with the interested employers, I decided against both. I felt badly for not feeling the ‘fit’ was right and I figured David would stop sending the leads. I was wrong; actually, dead-wrong.
The very next week David brought yet another opportunity and this one I had a good feeling about. Phone conversations, New York interviews, more phone conversations, and through it all David stayed dialed in. Not to force my placement but to help me navigate through waters I really wasn’t all that familiar with.
Needless to say the rest is history and I’ve been happily employed, making great money, love to get up every morning to go to work and the resume? Well, it’s in the desk drawer where it belongs.
Rod S – National Sales Director
During my job search, many recruiters called me because they felt my resume was a good fit for a position they were working on filling. That’s great, but I am NOT just my resume. Dave was the only recruiter who took the time and put in the effort to get to know me to make sure my personal and professional goals could be met by the opportunity before presenting me as a candidate.
His belief in me as the right person for the role was based on more than my previous jobs. It encompassed my personality, values, life-work balance goals and those of the hiring manager. So, of course I nailed the interview and got the job! Thanks, Dave!
Chris F – Marketing Manager
I swore off recruiters years ago. I mean, what’s in it for me? They’re only working for themselves and they send you on job interviews knowing full well that you are either not qualified or will have no interest in the position. It’s all about their fee.
Then one day, I was caught off guard by a cold call. “You don’t know me. My name is Dave Fitzgibbons and I am a headhunter”. Damn! I shouldn’t have picked up the phone, but since I did, I figured I’d hear him out. After explaining the job he was trying to fill, I told him that I would be VERY interested in interviewing and he submitted my resume. I think it took four weeks before they finally saw me, but Dave did not give up. He kept me informed of their every move. First the job was on hold. Then they were filling it with someone from outside the industry. Finally, they wanted to see me.
The company I went to see had always been my “dream job”, so I was very excited about the possibilities. I didn’t feel that the interview went well and I was very disappointed and very disillusioned. I left Dave a message and he called me from home that evening. First, he asked me to tell him everything. I explained the interview in complete detail and all Dave said to me was “Then don’t go back. We’ll find you something else.” Ironically, he then went on to tell me that they had called him right after I left to say they had finally found “a winner”. Now Dave could have cajoled me into giving them another chance. After all, there was a lot of money in it for him and I was aware of that. I gained so much respect for him at that moment that his opinion is still very important to me today. Even though I ultimately found a job on my own, he is genuinely happy for me.
I have recommended him highly to everyone I know looking for a job. I always say, “Dave is different from the rest” and I truly believe that.
Beth F – Director of Sales
Recruiters use people and never offer their help in return. That is the way it was until I met Dave. Dave cared about me. How do I know? When I was in need of help, he was there for me. Dave did a mass-mailing on my behalf to generate interest in me and my background. He followed up with calls and I appreciated the time, effort and energy he put into my search. Who would do that? Nobody would – but Dave did. Dave gave me personal attention – of course I deserved it – but nobody else treated me like he did. Dave always called me back – other recruiters don’t do that, and I appreciated that. Bottom line is that Dave made a difficult (and nerve-racking) experience a pleasant one.
Harvey Z. Dir of Marketing
Dave and I had not met when he first emailed me (we still have not yet met but I assure you we will soon). He discussed a specific position, an opportunity very interesting to me, but frankly one that would require some specific components of the offer package more important to me than the exact compensation. As such, my initial opinion was—"it won’t work!"
But Dave didn’t give up on me, just the opposite. He was very creative in proposing deal points with which I and my prospective company could both be comfortable. Once Dave could see that both parties wanted to begin "courting", Dave worked diligently to bring the marriage together. He of course properly represented the interests of his client, but also supported the key issues important to me, without reservations.
Dave went the extra mile, through the entire process, without his counsel this opportunity would not be mine today.
Thanks, Dave, thanks a lot!
Joe – President
I can not tell you enough how much I appreciate all you and your organization have done for me in my recent job quest.
You took the time to find out about me and my skill set and more importantly what my interests and desires were regarding my career aspirations. What was truly incredible was the time you took to follow up with me and guide me through the complete process.
You not only presented me with the opportunity but you were there every step of way from that moment on. You were able to "arm" me with so much information about the company and people I was going to be interviewing with. I have no doubt that all of those things we spoke about almost daily made a tremendous difference in the end. Going into the interviews with all the background information you were able to provide me with, certainly gave me total confidence in "closing" the deal. Your attentiveness to the smallest details of importance was unbelievable. Your follow-up calls after each interview, to find out how things went was a gesture of total commitment on your part.
David, I know for a fact that your dedication and commitment to me was the sole difference in being where I am today. I accepted the offer as VP/Sales from a great company with a super compensation package and I owe it all to you. I can’t thank you enough for all you have done!
Chris M. – VP of Sales
You know, most people in your business are your best friends while the deal is on…but the moment it caves in, they drop you like a hot potato.
I really appreciate the personal way you approach your business. It means a lot to guys like me who think relationships are real important.
Bill – VP of Marketing/Product Development
Thanks so much for your efforts and communication with me, you’ve really made me feel as though there is someone out there who cares about my job search! 4 agencies(!) and YOU are the only one coming through for me…..I am very grateful, thanks.
Ben – Creative Director
David is the most professional and personable recruiter that I have ever worked with. He has always paid close attention to who I really am as well as providing wonderfully constructive input and feedback to help me step up my game. When corresponding with David, I am constantly aware that there is a human being on the other end who is engaged and focused on all my concerns and always giving them serious, careful consideration. At every turn, he makes me feel VIABLE and VISIBLE – this is no small thing in these demoralizing times. I recommend David without reservation
Susan – Product Development & Design
Just knowing there are guys like you that are recruiters who have empathy is enough to keep me going. I can’t get most recruiters/headhunters to even fight for the interview. As you know, it gets very quite while trying to generate your own luck.
Thanks for being there.
Peter- Operations
David is a perfect example of what a toy industry executive should be. Fun yet professional. Fast yet proficient. I would work with David on ANY opportunity that presents itself – HE ROCKS!
Lee – Toy Designer/Inventor
Being a freelancer I have always found work through word-of-mouth or by attending trade shows. I have never, until now, had any success through any websites or recruiters. Once the recruiters find out that you are not willing to relocate, or work full-time, they basically let you know that they’ll "keep your resume on file" and you never hear from them again. This was not the case with David Fitzgibbons from ‘Cute Or Cool’. I came across this website and on a lark posted some images.
David emailed me right away and told me that he had a company in mind that might be perfect for me. After asking me what I was looking for, he explained (very enthusiastically) that he would get back to me if this company was interested. Thirty minutes later he called me back to let me know that his client company was very interested in my work and would call me. Forty minutes later I received a call from the client company and we scheduled an interview for the following day.
The interview was a success and I am starting a project immediately. Wow – that was fast! David really knows his clients and makes things happen – and fast! I highly recommend ‘Cute Or Cool’ and David Fitzgibbons if you are looking for work. He doesn’t just make promises, he gets the ball rolling. Thank you so much David!
Louise W. – Freelance Toy Designer
