Top 5 NLP Techniques for IT Recruiters

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an exciting set of techniques that helps people achieve the best possible outcome in communication and various life situations. When applied to IT Recruitment, NLP can be of huge assistance, especially in today’s reality of hybrid communication with potential and current candidates.

So, if you also sometimes struggle to connect with candidates and get them to see the value of the opportunity you're offering, check out these 5 NLP techniques to help you persuade them with the best intentions in mind:

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1.?????Rapport Building

Rapport building is a foundational NLP technique that involves establishing a connection with the other person (in this case – the candidate). The idea is to create a sense of mutual understanding and trust that helps the applicant feel comfortable and open to discussing their skills and experience. Rapport building can be done through mirroring, where you subtly match the candidate's body language and tone of voice, or by using similar language and vocabulary. This is easier in person, but there is a lot to use in an online conversation, too.

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2.?????Reframing

Language plays a key role in NLP and is one of the strongest tools when persuading a person. Reframing is one of the best techniques out there and it involves changing the way a candidate perceives a situation or opportunity. For example, if a candidate is hesitant to apply for a job because they lack a skill listed as a requirement on the job ad, you can reframe the situation by emphasizing the candidate's strengths and highlighting how they can learn the missing skill on the job. Your confidence and belief in them often provide the boost needed for them to make the deciding step.

3.?????Anchoring

This amazing NLP technique involves associating a particular emotion with a specific trigger. In recruitment, anchoring can be used to create positive associations with the job opportunity. For example, you can associate the feeling of excitement with the sound of the company's name or the mention of a particular project. Again, this one is also easier to achieve in person because it can relate to a physical touch as well – like tapping on the shoulder or a specific handshake.

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4.?????Future Pacing

Future pacing helps with visualizing a positive potential outcome. With your help, the candidate is able to imagine a positive future, thus increasing their motivation to pursue the opportunity. You can do this by asking the candidate to describe their ideal job and then linking it to the job opportunity you're offering. Another key approach regarding the future is making the other person visualize the end goal or destination and really soak it in. When they’re there, retrace each step that got them there backwards – starting from the end results all the way back to the present day.

5.?????Meta-Modeling

Meta-modeling is an NLP technique that involves questioning a candidate's language and assumptions to help them articulate their thoughts more clearly. By asking open-ended questions and encouraging the candidate to elaborate on their responses, you can get a better understanding of their motivations, goals, and values. This can help you tailor your recruitment pitch to resonate with the candidate's priorities.

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Hopefully at least one of the listed NLP techniques is useful to you in the future and if so, do let me know which one it is. Additionally, there are amazing books and videos on NLP – make sure you dive deeper and make the most out of this knowledge in your daily work and life.