Eat, Sleep, Recruit, Repeat

Would you believe it's April already... already a quarter of the way through the year. I remember as a child that time lasted forever. The six weeks holiday felt like 6 years off school. It was great.

As the years went on, and I got older, things changed. I move to Ayia Napa as a holiday rep where the days just rolled into one. Working ridiculous hours which didn't eeally feel like working (unless we were made to stay in our hotels til midnight to hit our sales targets... bluurrgghhh!).

Now as an adult, as the grey is gradually showing in my "designer stubble", time seems to be flying by. It was four years since I took the step into the big world and started my own recruitment company which today, you'll all know as Evolution Sales Recruitment.

For four years, I've ridden the "emotional rollercoaster" of recruitment which makes great reading, let me explain.

1. Playing the nice guy. The world isn't designed for nice people but I've learned that patience is definitely a virtue, and that's what makes my business model unique.

2. Finding that perfect candidate. This is my ultimate goal every time. When I know, I know. It doesn't take long to gauge a good person.

3. The elation of making placements; the feeling is absolutely unreal. I love building relationships with my candidates, and I'll always have your best interests at heart. Helping you secure the job you've been hoping for, and hearing about your progression is a great feeling.

4. Clients. Whether an existing customer gives me a vacancy or winning a new client; both make me feel proud. Did you know, I haven't made a business development call for years now. I hate being cold called or harassed so why should I do it to my clients? That's not saying all you ASMs, BDMs, RSMs, NSM's & Sales Directors shouldn't be making them! (hopefully that stops me from being hung, drawn & quartered from my clients Directors).

5. Losing a placement. Whether that comes in the form of an unsuccessful interview or a candidate getting a counter offer. I'm not afraid to admit, that it hurts, especially as I don't hedge my bets with bums on seats. I put all my eggs (you) in one basket! Don't ever think, "well he can find someone else" as that's not the point. We all have mouths to feed... I have an amazing wife, myself and three little monsters.

6. Not being able to place people I really like. You may have (over the years) heard candidates were just a number to a recruiter, but to me you're worth significantly more than you'd imagine.

Currently I receive between 10-25cvs every week so it's not easy. Don't ever be offended if I can't help you because I wish I could!!

7. More vacancies. With my no cold-calling mantra, clients come to me when they need me which brings two battles; 1, I have too many vacancies to work on or 2, I have nothing to work on; fortunately the latter is vary rarely a struggle.

8. Not being able to find that perfect candidate. My standards are way above the average recruitment agency. I could find lots of bang average candidates but why should i place my reputation on someone who could leave within 6 months?

9. Skepticism. My Nan's died, my child's in hospital, my car's broken down, I didn't get an interview confirmation. All excuses I've heard a million times. Please don't shoot me down, because there are definitely incidents where the above can happen and I respect that, but when your nan's died three times, i'm sorry i can't believe you. Having a good candidate is a buzz, having them drop out is a buzz-kill... and bloomin' annoying.

10. All of the above happening in a super random order every single day, which I suppose is the peril of people being my product. I've made my bed though, recruitment is what I'm good at and I've learn to accept that with great power comes great responsibility!

SUMMARY

Everyday is a new adventure, a journey into the unknown, an opportunity to make something of myself, a time to shine. Ultimately I recruit for the very same reason you work. To make money, but doing this ethically is my greatest strength (and also my weakness), which is why my job is like my time in Napa, Eat, Sleep, Rave/Recruit, Repeat.

I help building product manufacturers, merchants, distributors, wholesalers and DIY business, nationally across all industries, so if you're looking to work with an honest recruiter with great integrity, who treats everyone with the respect and honour they deserve then get in touch today!