Recruiters, Be Kind

There are 3 things, above all others, which determine the direction and happiness of each person’s life:

– Who they choose to spend it with
– Where they live
– What they do for a living

This is not an original thought; I’ve heard it many times in various forms. Recruiters are in something of a unique position: Our job has a direct impact on one of those three things. There are not many other professions with a direct line to the personal impact we have on those we work with. In a way, that makes us lucky. If we do a good job, we can positively impact the people we talk to in a way that not many others can.

That in mind, there is one thing that I’d recommend to recruiters: Be kind. There are two big reasons to be kind to every candidate we talk to.

1) It’s the right thing to do. Realize that every conversation and every candidate interview have stakes for the person on the other end of the call. For most people, a job interview is a BIG DEAL. The interview extends to a conversation with a recruiter. Recruiters sometimes downplay their role, but I promise that people are taking conversations with recruiters very seriously. A good conversation can make someone’s day, give them confidence and help guide their career. A bad conversation can do the opposite. A dishonest conversation can have even worse results. As members of a profession who helps influence people’s careers, we have a responsibility to treat people well.

2) It will make you more successful. A key attribute of kindness is generosity. Recruiters can be generous by trying to bring value to every person they talk to. Going out of your way to try to bring value, even a little bit of value, will make people remember you. Offer to answer any questions someone has, offer advice on resumes, offer to make introductions even if they aren’t at a client, etc. Do these things and people will pick up the phone next time you call. Isn’t that what success in recruiting is about?

So, Recruiters: Please be kind.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio