A tenuous link between Recruitment, Chivalry and Me.

Ever since I was a little one, I have been obsessed with Knights.

Swords, Horses, Lances, Castles.

Why wouldn’t you think they were the coolest thing ever?

Well lots of reasons probably, we all like different things after all.

As a child, I was convinced I would one day be a real-life knight.

My parents didn't help this delusion.

I kind of am, in my spare time I roll with a group of Medieval Entertainers and we dress up in armour and try to kill each other to the delight of crowds and families across the UK. Everyone I meet finds this out because I never shut up about it.

It meets my needs of both being an attention seeker and giving me a place to live a boyhood dream for a couple of hours in the baking heat or sloshing rain.

The reason I love the concept of knights so much is that they are these elite warriors with a sense of honour!

Chivalry.

But is it possible to live those concepts in my day job? Yeah, we can hold doors open for people. But what about in one of the most vexatious industries out there?

Recruitment.

Very hot. Weather

So what's this code then?

#1

“To fear God and maintain His Church”

Let’s uh…park those religious overtones shall we.

We can certainly do our utmost to deliver the very best for our managers though. Right?

#2

“To serve the liege lord in valour and faith”

This is similar to number one, but who is our “liege lord”?

I think it should be “good recruiting practice” don’t compromise who you are for the sake of a bottom line or easy fill. People remember that  

#3

“To protect the weak and defenceless

To give succour to widows and orphans”

In this case, rather than “weak and defenceless” we could be championing the candidate in the experience, putting a stop to things like ghosting, lowball offers and insulting peoples time and intelligence. 

#4

“To refrain from the wanton giving of offence”

I mean, this can pretty much stay. Don’t be nasty to people.

#5

“To live by honour and for glory”

Ring that deals bell. Brag about it on LinkedIn

Nah I’m kidding, but do take heart in the good work you do. Use it to motivate yourself.

#6

“To despise pecuniary reward”

This is very counter-recruitment isn’t it?

Just don’t do things solely for the money, don’t chase it.

There is a reason it’s called “cold” hard cash.

"No, No, I'm internal. There isn't a fee to pay."

#7

“To fight for the welfare of all”

Please note, this doesn’t mean taking selfies with people in need for your LinkedIn, this could mean ensuring you have a fair and balanced recruitment process.

#8

“To obey those placed in authority”

This also makes sense, just don’t follow people to the point of no return. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo if you need too.

#9

“To guard the honour of fellow knights”

Don’t give us other recruiters a bad name by how you act. The industry has an awful reputation.

Me with my twin swords "JD" and "CV"

#10

“To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit”

Don’t lie to get someone in a job or to nick a role, that candidate you are honest with about a role could be a client tomorrow.

#11

“To keep faith”

Recruitment is a funny old game, don’t let it batter you down.

#12

“At all times to speak the truth”

Oooh, I wonder what this one could mean…?

#13

“To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun”

To be fair I don’t agree with this one if I gave you a hard to fill a role with 5% terms you would tell me to do one.

#14

“To respect the honour of women”

Absolutely!

Whilst we are at it could we extend it to respect everyone as well?

#15

“Never to refuse a challenge from an equal”

Don’t back away from a challenge, rise to it and learn from it.

#16

“Never to turn the back upon a foe”

Don’t be afraid of the Recruiters on the “other side” Internal vs External, we are all pretty lovely deep down.

What’s your interpretation of Chivalry?

#recruitment #internalrecruitment #chivalry #medieval #knights