Top 5 lessons - 25 years as a recruiter
Last week I celebrated 25 years in recruitment.
It got me thinking, what have I learned along the way? I drew up a list. It ran to many pages. I distilled the list down to my top 5. Why? I love top 5 lists. They are short, to the point and capture attention. I digress. In no particular order, here follows my top 5 lessons gained from the past 25 years as a recruiter:
Put people first, not sales?
Short term deals that leave relationships in tatters are commonplace in recruitment. Think long term, do the right thing by people and they will stick to you like glue. Be kind, give people time.?
Persistence is all powerful?
This doesn’t mean being a pain by bothering people. It does mean facing into difficulties and finding?solutions when the pressure is on. keep at it!
Listen hard?
People will tell you exactly what they think or want if you listen hard enough. If you are an expert listener you will learn, if you learn you can deliver a quality service and people will refer you to others.
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Be truthful?
Don’t hide away from difficult conversations, whether feeding back to a candidate who is unsuccessful or explaining to a client why their brief isn’t rooted in reality, tell the truth and act as a true partner. People respect honesty, even if they disagree with what you say.?
Have fun?
No job should feel like a slog, day in day out. Learn to enjoy the little wins and wherever possible have fun in your work life. Laughter is contagious. Colleagues play a huge role in this area, so choose your place of work wisely.?Learn from geese in this respect, support one another. The proverb that says if you want to go far, go together, is on the money in my humble opinion. It's also more fun!
Thanks for taking to read my article. I’ve really enjoyed thinking this through and arriving at my top 5.
I’d be interested in the top lesson you’ve learned in your career.
If you like, let me know and comment below.?
Operations Director with proven track record of delivering transformative change. People centric leadership style which engages at all levels while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
1 年Congratulations 25 years !!
Psychometric Practitioner, Trainer, HR Generalist, TA Partner/Specialist
1 年Pretty much covers it Steve. Listening with respect must be a first step.
I design bespoke personalised coaching experiences which empower professionals to achieve clarity, purpose and progress in their personal and professional lives.
1 年Only 25 years... ;-) I'd say that was a pretty sound list. I think that the listening is critical, and amplified it when you are open to learning from those around you - whether they have been at it for 25 years or 25 minutes you can learn from everybody. Congratulations mate. I'm glad to have played a (very) small part in your journey and that I can still call you 'friend' after all of this time. I'm not going to say '25 more years' but you know what Steve... this time next year... ;-)
Talent Acquisition Partner
1 年Great read, thanks Steve! All those new to recruitment, or those forgetting some of the fundamentals to enjoying work again, be sure to have a read!