Top 10 things I've learnt to be successful in Recruitment

Posted by Tamara Toothill | Posted 25/04/2022

"Recruitment can be challenging, fun, frustrating and rewarding (usually all before 11am). But there are ways of making life easier.

"Here are the top 10 things I've learnt to be successful in recruitment, in no particular order..."

1. Plan ahead - try to organise your days/weeks and what you want to have achieved. Things will inevitably change but if you plan ahead, you can manage them far more effectively.

2. Measure your performance on outcomes, not time - some days, I will work 12 hours, others I will work 6. Do what you need to do (& don't kid yourself). Set tough but achievable goals (daily/weekly/monthly/yearly). Bragging that you work a 70-hour week isn't impressive.

3. Don't lie - goes without saying

4. Don't burn bridges - dishonesty, ghosting or falling out with clients, candidates or colleagues will come back to bite you.

5. Switch-off - keep your spare time for yourself, recruitment can be stressful and lead to burnout. Avoid emails at unsociable hours, weekends or when you're on holiday.

6. Have a solutions-orientated mindset - process is important but you won't get very far in recruitment if you don't think outside of the box. We sell the one "product" that can change it's mind

7. Exercise - stress relief (& the recruitment belly)

8. Mix things up - recruitment can become repetitive when you are more comfortable. Going through the motions is easy but boring. Go to an event, meet candidates/clients, learn some of the tech that you recruit for.

9. Build relationships - have a close network of people in your market who you feel comfortable picking up the phone and asking them anything and vice versa. By far the easiest way to get referrals, leads & gossip.

10. Work smart, not hard - the people who are always complaining that they are busy but never seem to achieve anything.... don't be that person.

"I'm by no means the finished article or anywhere near perfection but certainly better for following these lessons from my colleagues James Corcoran, Charlie Lambert, Marcus Rudd, and Sinead Chandler."

Are there any other things you wish you knew when starting out?