What Advice Would You Give Someone Just Starting Out in the Recruiting Industry?

What Advice Would You Give Someone Just Starting Out in the Recruiting Industry?

Embarking on a career in recruitment can be as challenging as it is rewarding, so we've gathered insights from seasoned professionals to guide you. From the tactical advice of a Recruitment Consultant to the strategic wisdom of a Head of People, here are five pieces of advice that cover everything from implementing time-blocking strategies to prioritizing relationships and industry knowledge.

• Implement Time Blocking Strategies
• Communicate Regularly and Empathetically
• Never Hesitate to Ask Questions
• Cultivate Balanced Relationships Early
• Prioritize Relationships and Industry Knowledge

Implement Time Blocking Strategies

Time blocking is king. Every moment in my recruiting career that I have felt most productive and seen results is when I've assigned solid time blocks for all the tasks I've needed to get done. Ensuring that you're keeping up with all of your tasks daily ensures a consistent flow. When I started out, my boss and I would always repeat that 'activity solves everything.' Ensuring that you're sourcing, doing outreach, speaking with candidates, speaking with clients, etc., in a consistent, repeatable manner will go a long way in making you the most productive recruiter you can be. The best way to achieve this is through time blocking.

Communicate Regularly and Empathetically

Use your phone; update even if there is no news, and put yourself in their shoes. There are so many occasions on which I had no idea how to solve something, but then it was solved by a good old-fashioned, meaningful, open conversation with the candidate. Be the recruiter you wish you had when you were interviewing to get the job.

Never Hesitate to Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Every recruiting agency does its processes differently, and when you're new to recruitment, it can be very intense to learn at first. Asking the right questions is what could make or break your career in recruiting, especially as you grow into roles that require more responsibility.

Cultivate Balanced Relationships Early

My advice would be to cultivate a balanced relationship with both the hiring companies and potential candidates from the onset. This is because, for you to do effective recruitment, you have to understand the deepest needs of both parties. The function goes beyond just filling roles. Listen to the goals, preferences, and concerns of the candidates. They will identify you as a person who genuinely cares about how you handle them in their career journey. A solid relationship with hiring managers also helps you to understand their expectations, team culture, and long-term vision. Thus, you are keen to avoid misalignments in the type of candidates you recommend to them. This helps you to build a credible reputation in your career.

Prioritize Relationships and Industry Knowledge

A crucial piece of advice for anyone starting in recruitment is to prioritize building strong relationships with both candidates and clients. It's easy to get lost in metrics early on, but recruitment is all about people. Take the time to truly understand what candidates are looking for in a role and what clients need from their employees. This deeper connection not only leads to better placements but also helps you build trust and credibility over time.

On top of that, stay proactive in learning about the industries you recruit for. The more you know about the roles, market trends, and the challenges companies face, the more valuable you become to both sides. This industry knowledge will set you apart as a recruiter who isn't just filling roles but providing thoughtful, strategic advice to candidates and clients alike.