So the time has come for a change. You love being a recruiter and are doing well. You seem to have a ‘knack’ of pulling in both clients and getting great candidates into the role of their dreams. Trouble is the recruitment agency you are with is small and you have big plans.

So it’s time to move and if you are making one move why not do it all at once? That means it’s a new sector for you. So how can you plan to ‘hit the ground’ running and make an impact fast? Well here are some tips that will guarantee you start off at speed.

1. Start with the end in mind-choose the right sector

If you are going to move sectors don’t do it on a whim. Check out the sectors that are growing and where you think your skills and personality will fit. Some industries are still in a slow growth phase and you might just be asking for trouble if you go down that route. The good news is if you have an internet connection and a phone you can find out most of the information you will need.

Have a look on some of the recruiting blogs to find out what is hot. Then hang out on linkedIn and check out some of the groups. What is the conversation and what jobs are people posting in their feeds? Visit some of the big job boards and find out which job types are dominating.

2. What is your background?

Now you have done the initial fact find is there anything where you already have some knowledge? Perhaps media looks exciting and you are drawn to it because that is what your degree entailed. It might not be as obvious as that and think broad. For instance if you love recruiting and selling and everything involved in that environment, sales recruitment might be for you.

You can then drill down to different sales industries. As you start to research you will see that the possibilities are endless

3. Think before you move

Now you have the information at your fingertips it’s time to finds out more. Recruiters are a pretty friendly bunch. Why not ring up a few and find out if the sectors you have found are what you really want.

It might be financially lucrative and yet is it a long recruitment cycle that takes many months rather than weeks? What are the clients and candidates like that you will be dealing with? You are going to be spending 40+ hours a week talking to them so it is a good idea to make sure you are going to enjoy it.

4. Make a decision

You have got the information you need next step is to take action. You can either approach companies direct or talk to a rec to rec company that covers your specific sector or area. Then know that you have done what you can to make sure the sector you have chosen will work for you.

Till next time,

Cheryl

Every employee has the desire to be promoted and earn a bigger income – that’s the dynamics of success in the corporate world and it seems especially so as a recruiter. However, the climb up the organisational ladder is rarely easy; competition is often fierce so you need to be able to exceed expectations and in the nicest possible way; edge out everybody vying for the same position.

But just because the competition can be tough it is still more than possible to be successful without being sleazy and underhand. On the contrary, you might  be surprised that the more you hold onto your good values  as you work towards this professional goal; the more you will bill and the more successful you will become.

As a rec to rec agency we are constantly in contact with recruitment business owners who tell us exactly what their good recruiters do and the type of individual that will excel in their sector. It can differ depending which niche you are in; construction, finance, and retail etc. However there are some basic fundamental principles that; if you demonstrate them consistently will accelerate your chances of getting that promotion to a recruitment team leader or recruitment manager.

As you explore these principles, you’ll be able to redefine your motivations and  understand yourself in the context of what your recruitment company requires and values. To help you get ready for that promotion, below are some of our best tips.

1. Exhibit the right attitude.

If you have seen The Apprentice, those with a positive attitude easily gain the confidence and trust of their mentors. They are the ones who are completely focused on the goal; they present their contributions yet they are willing to step back and use the contributions of other members if the objective will be accomplished more successfully that way.

The right attitude creates a harmonious relationship in the workplace and this is something the managers and leaders in any recruitment company will look out for.

2. Always be ready and willing to learn.

According to Forbes Magazine, a well-known business communication if you want promotion; “You must be able to show the ability to evolve your thinking and the capacity to expand your skill sets.” Since corporations are always growing, you need to be able to present yourself ready for that growth as well. Invest in yourself, take seminars, read books and display how you’ll be able to support the company’s endeavours.

3. Take calculated risks.

If you’re completely dedicated to your recruiter role in the company and you actually care about the company’s growth, don’t just keep your ideas to yourself. If you believe that there’s room for improvement but nobody is willing to voice it, take it upon yourself to be the catalyst for change and assume full responsibility.

Companies are always on the lookout for those who are passionate and unafraid even when odds are against them – these are the best people for high positions that constantly deal with challenging conditions.

4. Be loyal.

Working in rec 2 rec means we talk to business owners and directors all the time. One of the main things they look for is; loyalty. Recruitment directors and managers want high performing billers and they are constantly searching for consultants who have the company interests at heart.

Loyalty gains trust and trust gains favour – all these are testaments to a person’s true character that a company will truly value; and as a result it is these individuals that get promoted.

Till next time,

Cheryl

The recruitment industry is certainly thriving. The number of potential recruiters grows each year: fresh university graduates opting for a more time-efficient way of securing employment in the country’s established organisations, ambitious employees  hoping to find a fresh career start and individuals still looking for that job that’s fully compatible with their personal career objectives and skills.

On the other end are the companies that have important roles that need to be filled with key talent; that is why it’s imperative for recruitment agencies to have high-performing consultants with impeccable skills to  match the right candidate with the right company.

Remember recruiting is a process and each company will have their own. As a consequence they need their recruiters to possess certain qualities and have the ability to carry out the entire recruitment process  in a way that ensures everyone is happy;both candidates and clients.

If you’re a recruitment consultant and you want to be a consistently successful high biller, here are  3 things you must do to be the best in your field.

1. Ask the right questions.

There’s a big difference in asking questions and asking the right questions. The right questions will reveal truths about certain attitudes or behavioural patterns that are crucial to establish before determining a job match. Say for example, a candidate has experience and all the necessary skills to be successful in his or her field of choice but they are unable to hold a job down for a long time.

It’s important to find out the core reasons why this situation is occurring. There might be a simple explanation; or not. Better to know that now rather than place someone who will leave within weeks and tarnish the reputation of your recruitment agency.

2. Spot potential issues with employment.

Some recruitment consultants do not bother to look beyond the veil; but the best in the field analyse and get background information on every job opportunity and every applicant’s CV to see what could present issues.

A top-performing recruitment specialist has to have a keen eye for these details (company culture, location, personal interests, spiritual background even, ), spot these differences  and be able to help both parties (the client companies looking for great candidates and the candidate looking for a great company to work for) come up with a solid solution that works for everyone.

3. Establish a good working relationship with everybody.

There’s a lot of trust involved in the process and it’s always an advantage to be thought of in a positive light. Be approachable for help and your colleagues will help you as well.

Likewise, always do the best you can for all the people  you represent because this will seal their confidence in you as the recruitment consultant they want to work with……and recommend you to their friend!

Till next time,

Cheryl

Social media is the present and the future. It’s fun, it’s social (obviously) and most people who you ask are on Facebook and Twitter. However, does it have any place in recruitment?

There’s no getting away from the fact that social media for recruiters and for candidates is a hugely powerful tool and by not using it, you could be missing out on a wealth of potential candidates and clients.

The Social CV is becoming big business.

Many job hunters are creating social CVs to; generate an online presence, stand out from the crowd and demonstrate what they can do. Social CVs can include videos, websites and Facebook pages with some applicants even going as far as to cram their CV into a 140 character tweet.

This list is not exhaustive, social CVs created by ambitious candidates are becoming increasingly more creative with how they advertise themselves to recruiters.

How exactly is this Relevant to Online Recruiters?

Social CVs are great for recruiters because they give you the chance to check out your candidate before inviting them to interview. It’s saving you time, the candidate time and usually gives you a good indication of what someone is like before you even meet them.

If you like what you see online, there’s a good chance you will like them in person. You can often find out far more about someone from their social media presence than you ever could from a two page word document. If potential employees are putting their social CVs out there online to be seen, why shouldn’t recruiters take advantage?

Most decent recruiters know.

LinkedIn is a well-known and established site used in recruiting and is useful for building connections and networking. What about the less obvious social media and social networking sites ? Did you know that when it comes to finding great candidates you can use; Twitter, Google+ and Facebook with apps such as BranchOut.

Many recruiters are already posting their jobs on Facebook and Twitter, as well as looking for potential employees on these sites. Recruiters are now able to use sponsored tweets and pages, and target them at specific groups of people. The great thing for recruiters about these sponsored updates and pages is that they come up in the activity feed alongside the usual status updates of friends and followers, making them difficult for your ideal candidate to miss.

Though social media and all its various platforms can be mutually beneficial tool potential employees need to be aware that their social media presence can very much work for or against them. For example, the recent Facebook timeline update lays bare a user’s full social history. If left public, a recruiter could easily read everything their potential candidate has written and it may not always be favourable.

From the recruiter’s point of view though, this could be a good thing! As social media is growing more popular, it seems a mutually beneficial tool for both recruiters and job seekers alike.

Till next time,

Cheryl

So you have finally landed the recruiter role of your dreams; great company, fantastic opportunities and a chance to show what you can do; including smashing billings!

Working in recruitment and as a rec 2 rec consultant as long as I have, I notice that the recruiters who get on the score board quickly and get the positive attention of the director’s exhibit certain patterns and behaviours that seem to guarantee their success. So the first step is about developing good habits that produce results.

Research has shown that it takes around 30 days to break an old habit or pattern and 30 days to create a new one. This was first observed with astronauts way back in the sixties. To a man (sorry girls there weren’t any female equivalents of Neil Armstrong till much later); it took about 30 days for the guys to handle weightlessness to a point where it seemed like it was their, ‘natural state’. This same ’30 day’ pattern cycle was observed was observed in many other situations and environments.

So how about putting this idea into practise as you manage your new desk? It seems logical then that if you implement some of the following ideas and strategies during your first month it is going to pay dividends not only for month one but for many months later.

1. Look the part

Image matters. If you looked good  at interview do the same on a daily basis. Shallow though it may be; clients, candidates, team members and your new boss will notice. It also has an unconscious effect that might surprise you. It will make you feel; good, upbeat and positive-all essential skills for a recruiter; for many of us it is like putting on our persona. I once knew a director who worked from home on a Friday and he still wore his three piece suit because he said it helped him connect more and make more placements.

2. Be on time

We can all be late I know; traffic, the tube, no parking, late candidates all seem to conspire against us. Yet it’s possible to be on time consistently. Have you noticed how it feels when someone turns up on time? It is a sign of respect, professionalism and focus.  It is about discipline; no I haven’t been in the army! This might be an unpopular message and having discipline works in life. The structure that discipline gives you brings results you never would expect.

3. Be a team player

I appreciate you aspire to be the companies top biller; that is fine. Just don’t walk over everyone else to do it; because you don’t need to. Being a team player is becoming more and more important in a business context. In fact I bet at your interview you will have been asked questions to find out how you work in a team setting. As soon as you can, make it your mission to connect with everyone in your team. Go out to the pub after work, grab a sandwich together and find out about your colleagues. Do you need to be best buddies with everyone? No. We are all different and some people you will gravitate to more than others that is natural.

4. Do more than you are paid for

In a new company you need to listen and learn as much as you can. That is going to take time and effort including, late nights and early mornings. The good news is it will work. It is about practise and application. Imagine you have just taken up a new sport. Unless you practice the moves and techniques as much as possible you will never get to a point where you can enjoy it and reap the rewards. Do you think Andy Murray whinges about having to practise every day? I am sure on occasion he might do and he does it all the same and reaps the rewards.

5. Ask questions

If you don’t know ask. Luckily in every organisation there is a period of grace where questions are encouraged and answers freely given. Top tip; take notes and refer to them. Most people don’t and then wonder why people get cheesed off when the same questions are continually asked.

6. Create your system

If you have worked successfully as a recruiter before you will know what you need to do to get the results you want. Make that your total focus. Yes it will be a steep curve learning with all the new systems and processes in a new recruitment company and make sure you stick to  KPI’s that you know deliver consistent results.

7. Set a goal

Set yourself a stretch goal to achieve in your first 30 days; with the right mindset anything is possible. Break it down into daily and weekly actions and stick to it. If it means getting in early to spend 90 minutes on the phone connecting with past clients do it. Keep a record of the actions you take and the results you achieve. Even small wins the mind recognises and looks for more of. As human beings we are success seeking creatures and our minds constantly look for ways to be successful; at this time everything is on your side.

There you have it 7 strategies that if you take action on them will produce the results you want.

Till next time,

Cheryl