More than 20 years ago, I retired from a successful career in the solid waste and recycling industry. I quickly discovered that retirement was not for me — the boredom was unbearable! Seven months after retiring, I was back in the trenches. I began what would become my second and most rewarding career yet: I became a recruiter.
Call me biased, but I think recruiting is one of the world’s most important jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. can expect a 7 percent increase in hiring of human resources managers and recruiting professionals by the year 2028. The rate of growth is faster than the average for all occupations and equates to roughly 11,000 jobs, the BLS says.
While recruiters may not be saving lives in the operating room or pulling people from burning buildings, we are helping put people to work. As stated in my previous article, recruiters are like matchmakers; our ultimate goal is to place the best candidate in his or her ideal role with the right company.
And when we all do our jobs effectively, companies fill their desired roles, the unemployment rate drops, and the national economy gets a boost. The operative word here, though, is “effectively,” which simply means to doing the job right to achieve the desired result.
Prioritize Your Passion
But which results are recruiters gunning for the most? The post-placement paycheck, or the reward from providing a great experience for customers? Those who prioritize these two things correctly will often achieve both in abundance.
As recruiting professionals, we have the distinct pleasure of serving two customers at once: the company and the candidate. So that means people are at the heart of what we do. Therefore, to be successful in this business requires passion for peopleover profit. I’m not saying work your fingers to the bone for very little pay. Just don’t be so driven by money that you lose sight of what’s most important — those whom you are serving.
4 Things You Can Do Now
Over the past two decades, I have sworn by the following mantra, and it has served me well: “Treat the customer right and the money will follow.” Here’s what I mean by that:
· Listen. Take time to listen to your customers. Ask about their needs and desires and then do what you reasonably can to give them what they’re looking for. Your relationships will blossom and will likely lead to repeat business as well as word-of-mouth referrals.
· Follow up. Periodically check in with clients and candidates throughout the process, even long after the placement has occurred. Well-managed, authentic relationships matter, and they lead to more of the same.
· Don’t cut corners. Never pass off a sub-par candidate as your absolute best. Keep looking for the right one — even if you have to start from scratch. Your reputation is at stake, so put in the time needed to get it right.
· Be authentic. If you genuinely care about people, they’ll know it by your words and definitely by your actions.
Remember: The people you serve can either talk you up — or talk down about you. Get your priorities straight, and you’ll see a big difference.
Jeff Chaponick is CEO of MAC Diversity Recruiters, an international search firm that partners with companies of all sizes, including companies such as Deloitte, Nike, and Marsh & McLennan, to help them reach their diversity talent goals. Jeff is on the Board of Directors for the Texas Diversity Council and the National Diversity Council. He also is a member of various professional organizations that help address the disparities in hiring among traditionally underrepresented groups.
