Just working HOT orders weakens you long term

Too many times I see recruiters that are very short sighted and only look for the new and hot orders of the day and then pound the job boards.  They shoot out some emails, (along with every other Johnny come lately recruiter) and then announce, "Those candidates aren't out there". 

Two issues I see here.  1) There are times that the candidates just aren't available because the requirement may be too tight or unrealistic.  But, if you are not recruiting for your pipeline and just waiting, when you cry wolf, nobody believes you.  Even if his teeth are tearing your flesh apart!  2) You loose flexibility when you recruit the last minute all the time.  If you have candidates that are 80% through the process when a requirement surfaces, you have the ability to give the client another choice if time is critical. 

Come on recruiters, don't always think you are smarter then everyone else.  Listen, work ahead and work smart.  You should set a side time to recruit for candidates that aren't immediate fills, but keep a pipeline always going.  Yes, you will have drop offs.  But accept that.  Besides, you never know when that drop off will call you back for their next job search.  IT HAPPENS!!!

Now, I'm not saying not to work and pay attention to the hot stuff, but ask yourself if that's where all your income eggs are?