4 Books That Every Recruiter Should Own (And Read!)
Recruitment is a tough business, and it’s not just important to get results, it’s vital that you continually get results- time and time again. Too often big billers can suddenly go off the boil, lose their way and struggle to bill a quarter of what they were once doing. This can be down to several factors, but the main one is that they failed to realise the importance of continually developing; not just as a recruiter, but as a business professional too.
Your company may or may not have an ongoing programme of CPD (continuing professional development), but even if it does, self-development is the real key to success. Here we take a look at four books that every recruiter should own and read. From specialist recruitment books to general books about business, sales and psychology, each one will take you further along the road to becoming the best recruiter you can be.
Steven M. Finkel – Breakthrough! – How to Explode the Production of Experienced Consultants
This is one book that should always be at a recruiter’s side. Steven Finkel is an American Recruitment Consultant who understands the recruitment business like no other. It’s full of fantastic advice and tips that genuinely work. Taking each stage and process in recruitment, Finkel breaks them down and explores what you need to do to maximise your success. Recruitment can be a fast paced and complex process, but Finkel manages to simplify the core techniques that you need to succeed in one of the most competitive business environments.
Tony Buzan – Buzan’s Study Skills: Mind Maps, Memory Techniques, Speed Reading and More!
This is a book that can teach you practical skills that will give you the edge over the competition. Buzan teaches effective ways to improve your memory, read faster, and use your brain more efficiently and effectively. His Mind Map technique is particularly useful in recruitment. Being such a fast paced environment, it offers a way to practically deal with what can often be ‘information overload’.
Robert B. Cialdini – Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Recruitment is fundamentally about selling, and this book is one of the most important books ever written on the subject. Written over thirty years ago, it’s testament to its insight that it is still a bestseller. With a variety of experiences, true stories and practical tips, this book will make you more persuasive, a better salesperson and a more effective recruitment consultant.
Damian Hughes – Liquid Thinking
A recent publication, Damian Hughes, Professor of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the UK’s most in demand speakers on motivation and leadership. If you’re looking for some inspiration, in this book Hughes looks at the methods and techniques used by successful people and break them down so you can incorporate them into your own life. A great one to have on the desk when you’re up against it!
Even if things are going well, it’s important to continually develop because you can guarantee that your competitors are! Take the time to read these books, you won’t regret it.
What’s your favourite personal development book? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below…
Till next time,
Cheryl