Recruiter survival pack

Write stuff down

Not necessarily with a pen and paper because it’s not the 1900s, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you’ll remember everything. You won’t. Take as many notes as you can. Jot down things after meetings with clients. Write/type stuff down when you’re on the phone to candidates. Retain as much information as you possibly can. Your recruitment software comes in handy here as it allows you to track meetings, add notes to candidate cards and set reminders. Access Recruitment CRM is particularly good at keeping you on top of your relationships and reminding you when it’s next time to reach out to candidates and clients.

Socialise

As a recruiter this part never ends. You will always need to go to industry events, you will always have to turn up at the networking events and you’ll always be going out for drinks with clients and candidates. It’s just part of the job. But your ability to socialise will get your name out and about and you’ll find that candidates start coming to you as you spend less time cold calling.

Keep emergency supplies

A recruiters day is never set and before you know it you’ve been hauled out to an important client meeting with your boss on a day you thought would be dedicated to admin. Keep a spare suit and shoes in your office at all times so that you’re never caught out on casual Fridays. This applies to all supplies that you need, from shoe shiner, to a toothbrush, to a protein bar. Whatever you might need in a day, keep it in your office.

Stay honest

Always. Of course, as with any industry, there’s a few cowboys floating around messing up the image for the rest of us, but stay honest in your recruitment game. It will serve you better in the long run.

Have thick skin

Which is not the same as becoming jaded or bitter or cynical, but having the ability to realise that human lives are in play here and just because someone has rejected your offer, your call, or your interview request, it’s not personal. And don’t worry about people putting the phone down on you, it’s just a quicker way to filter candidates really.

Know what you’re good at

Naturally in our profession we want to be the best, and therefore the best at every aspect of it, but you’re not going to be so don’t try it. What’s more valuable is understanding what you’re good at, and where you fall short. Once you’ve figured that out, you can figure out how to plug the gaps in your skills and the things you can outsource to others.

Keep food in the top draw

You’re going to need it on the afternoons you lag or the tough days. A stack of chocolate or other treats is always a good idea to get you through the recruiting tough times. You might think you don’t need it and you’ll be fine, but when you’re working late and those evening munchies kick in you’ll be kicking yourself.

Manage up

Inevitably you’re going to have to manage up sometimes, and that includes your boss, your hiring managers and your clients. Often the people you’re hiring for don’t know as much as you, or are not as good at interviewing. Find the problems and quickly offer solutions. Be the pro in the room and they will trust and let you lead the way.

Get uncomfortable

Sometimes you’re going to have to have uncomfortable conversations and reject candidates, even the ones you really like. It’s okay to be uncomfortable and have those conversations. Don’t avoid them and always get to the awkward conversation, whether it’s about salary, relocation or costs, as soon as you can. The more you know!

Hear from our CRM specialist on why Access Recruitment CRM software can place more candidates quicker.