Justin Timberlake Vs Recruitment (can we link the two?)

Big shout out and a thank you to Martin Hartley (Ampersand Consulting) for providing me an evening of delight! Justin Timberlake was fantastic! 

I've tried somehow to link this thought to recruitment so “bear with” . . . 

It's been 23 years since that blonde pot noodle-haired kid graced us with his insane dance moves and ridiculous vocal range. Like everyone, he has had ups and downs in both life and career, but he was still able to sell out The O2 on a night when England made the World Cup semi-finals. 

Many of you are thinking “yeah yeah” but I bet it was full of millennials who remember him as their teen crush. Nope, Nein, Non, Niet, Nicht, No! Well, maybe some. BUT it was a very diverse mix of people: couples, groups of “lads lads lads”, “HERA” couples, families, dad dancers, twerking experts, groups of friends, etc. Because I am such a "Gary Get Involved" I ended up talking to anyone who passed within a few foot, some who had flown in specifically for his show from Ireland, France, Italy, and Romania; I even bumped into an Australian (queuing for the bar) who stopped off on her way home from backpacking around Europe. 

Remember when I said ”bear with”, it's coming . . . 

Well, how does he manage to keep selling out tours, despite not-so-great reviews of his most recent album, and a less than wonderful Super Bowl appearance?

Because he is bloody ENTERTAINING. He works in the entertainment industry and continues to entertain! I may annoy a few people who wanted the tickets by saying that I’m not actually a big JT fan. Don’t get me wrong – he writes good songs and sings very well, but I cannot remember when I last downloaded or bought one of his songs (prior to right after I won the tickets).

However, did I dance, laugh, and sing along to the songs I did know?

Yes!

Did I listen to Man of The Woods on repeat during my drive?

Yes!

Did my boyfriend enjoy himself even after the tantrum he threw about missing footy with the “lads lads lads”?

YES, of course he did. He screamed more than me and definitely knew more songs.

What I am trying to say is Justin does his job! He read the spec and ticked off each role & responsibility big time! He has consistently been a good role model while maintaining that all-important sex appeal! He works hard to put on a fantastic show wherever he performs. He can even SING! Above all, he did what was needed to keep his fans happy! He spoke with The O2 and arranged for the semi-final to be played instead of a warm up act and for his own set to be pushed back, even with extra time. After all this time he is still in it for his fans (candidates) and his client (The O2). Guess what? Everyone was happy!

Imagine if recruitment worked in the same way . . .

Recruiters who consult with the client and offer solutions to candidate attendance issues before they arise.

Recruiters who stick to what they believe to be right, above the peer pressure of those more motivated by purely money.

Recruiters who actually take the time to understand everyone’s needs and work together to get things sorted.

Recruiters who genuinely care.

Recruiters that don’t earn too much but are rewarded for the value they have brought to their company’s brand and their clients’ businesses.

Recruiters who do their job! Who find the client what they NEED which is not always what they want. (I bet The O2 didn’t want to show the game, but I would say the sale of “warm-up” beers definitely increased.)

How about we just do what our job spec says. Keeping all parties happy isn’t easy! You’re not Snoop so when it comes to rates you don’t have to “drop it like it’s hot” just to please the client, realise you worth. Or if a candidate is being difficult you shouldn’t be bending over backwards to let a them work via their “100% compliant” umbrella. Consult and challenge the ideas with both.

Nobody is perfect but we all have our part to play in removing the dirty looks we get when we say we work in recruitment. Some of us are actually here because we enjoy the job. Some of us have grown beyond money motivation. Some of us genuinely want to add value with our service.