3 simple rules = great recruitment

I've been a recruiter for nearly 19 years. I've been thinking about what 3 simple rules candidates, clients and recruiters could follow to make the whole recruitment thing a lot easier and more pleasurable! Here you go:

For candidates/job seekers:

1.   Be honest- if a job is not for you, just say. Don't work with recruiters who don't accept this and keep pushing for you to look at an inappropriate role

2.   Be professional- turn up to interviews, don't disappear or make up reasons why you drop out of a process

3.   Be thoughtful- stand back and actually think about a) what is pushing you to leave and b) what would pull you in to work for someone else. Communicate this clearly

For clients/employers-

1.   Be realistic- everyone wants to hire a 10 out of 10 candidate, but is it worth waiting 6 months longer when you have an 8.5 out of 10 candidate who can start next week? Develop them!

2.   Be time bound- if one thing kills recruitment stone dead it is time. Of course have a 2 or 3 stage process, but be organised and make sure any process doesn't drag on longer than necessary

3.   Be exclusive- don't use every agency out there. Select a quality partner, or two max, so they can do a proper job, rather than enter into a CV bun fight and race

For recruiters-

1.   Be responsible- brief people properly, interview candidates and give feedback whether people are successful or not. Treat candidates as you would like to be treated if you were them. The same approach should be taken with clients. It's unacceptable and rude not to return calls or emails

2.   Be an expert- recruiters should be advising clients and candidates on the best way to find the right person or job. Giving valuable and honest insight which helps them, whether they are working with the recruiter or not. Support clients and candidates through the good times and the bad

3.   Be humble- recruiters are the least important person in the process if it's done right. It's not about getting the next deal, deliver a great service and you will be successful. Put others interests ahead of your own and you will be surprised at how much business comes you way

I hope you enjoyed my simple 3 rules for great recruitment.

Do you agree?

Would you add anything else?