Covid-19 has affected all areas of our lives, and left the economy with loads of questions and problems to solve. IseeQ is one of the few recruitment agencies that managed to grow during the pandemic, and as we have been in the industry for almost a decade, we feel that it’s time we share the knowledge and expertise we gained over the years.

Recruitment Tips will be a series with monthly content up on our blog, in which we discuss topics that can be of help for agencies, companies and individuals who are interested in our field of business. We believe in constructive co-existence and lifting each other up deeply, so we hope we can contribute to collective wisdom and the success of all by spilling our secrets and showing you our practices.

Recruitment as a profession is quite popular among younger generations these days. The forever-changing environment and the high earning potential attract people from all around the world, but many are mistaken by all the promises and false depictions. As the entry requirements are not too high, joining the field is well within reach for most people with a degree and good communication skills. However, #agencylife has a few disadvantages too: the huge flexibility you can read about often results in uneven and longer working hours, and a great percentage of the challenges you face result in fails and disappointments.

It’s not too late even if you accidentally found yourself hired to a headhunter agency during these times of need: here’s a collection of the skills you need to perfect if you want to be successful and praised by your boss.

1. Communication and openness

Reaching out and talking to people is what takes up most of your time as a recruiter. It is essential that you can phrase everything you have to say in a kind but straightforward manner, while signalling genuine interest and intent to converse. You have to be willing and capable to actively listen and remember all crucial elements of the interviews you conduct. For that, understanding non-verbal signs are just as important as interpreting the underlying content of a candidate’s words.

2. Resilience and adaptivity

The market changes incredibly quickly, and while adaptation is a must, being one step ahead of it is an advantage. New technologies emerge constantly and goals of clients and individuals can change from day to day. You will have to go through many rejections and set-downs, which can easily result in a decline in your motivation. In many cases, you cannot control any of these factors, but you can always choose how you react to them. Choose to learn from each and every scenario, and opt to bounce back more prepared for the uncertainty.

3. Time, information and project management

Overseeing projects from beginning to end, with a great attention to detail is something worth to be good at. If you are able to manage your own tasks and responsibilities effectively, you will have fewer problems maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Sooner or later, you will have to establish priorities between candidates and positions. It just comes in handy if you are able to keep everything in mind, or in a heavy-duty planner.

4. Curiosity

Surfing the internet for hours and listening to job seekers all day is exhausting if you lack the motivation to help others, listen to them or just learn something new. Curiosity is essential if you want to avoid burnout. Everything you need to know during certain projects can be found on the internet, but it is your responsibility to do your job and look after it.

5. Self-awareness and critique

If you don’t know yourself and your abilities, you might have a more difficult time recognizing them in others. Learn to know your ambitions, traits and boundaries- it will serve you outside the office as well.

6. Endurance and patience

Monotonous tasks like LinkedIn searches can easily result in early burnout. Sometimes, the people you approach will not be interested in the position you have to offer. It is also common for both candidates and clients to stretch the conversation for months before deciding to step back. Having your plans crossed can be quite irritating, but keeping your chin up and your vibes high will save you from becoming frustrated. In this business, being hot-headed is one of the biggest no-nos, so learn to be patient at all times and control your emotions when you are close to losing your cool.

7. Confidence

There’s a great collection of studies that prove we are more prone to trust people who speak confidently. Talking like you are certain in your stand will not only earn you more money in the long run, but it will portray you as a trustworthy and professional person.

8. Persuasion

At the end of the day, recruitment is based on sales. You will have to sell positions and companies to candidates and reverse. While you present these opportunities, you also represent both the provider and the applicant, and you will have to mediate and argue for both of them. Pointing out unreal expectations is also part of your job, knowing the market standards as deeply as you can is crucial.

9. Creativity

Knowing your way on professional recruitment websites is an entry requirement. However, many forget that there’s a person behind each employee. Your top candidate for a marketing manager position might be hiding on tinder, while the great developer you’re looking for can be found playing League of Legends. Never underestimate the relevance of forming new connections, recommending someone after knowing them personally is always your best shot.

10. Empathy

Empathy is one of our favorites on this list. If you’ve been following us, you know that maintaining our professional relationships is our top priority. When you have a huge network, you will have to cut time to get back to all the people you are connected with. Our goal is to provide a service candidates keep coming back to when they are in search of a job. While it is both time-consuming and advantageous, it ensures that we deliver the most fitting candidates to each of the open positions. Empathy towards new clients and candidates is also key, it makes you aware of certain aspects of a company’s culture and someone’s personality traits that make the best match.

Besides all these skills, there are certain things you should be studying thoroughly for your success:

The market

One of your responsibilities is to navigate all your clients through the market. All the standards and practices have to be in your pocket, and you have to be able to use them at all times, in a way it serves your common purpose. Learn to find interest in whatever industry you’re recruiting for, and aim for a deep, overall understanding of it.

Languages

Your high-school teachers did not lie when they said you will need languages at your job. Speaking English is a basic requirement at most of the agencies, but it can be a major advantage if you speak more foreign languages (including programming languages ;)).

Naturally, there can never be a complete list of all the skills a successful recruiter holds, and this exactly is the beauty in it. You can never know what tomorrow will bring, but you might as well turn this uncertainty into one of your drives. Eventually, you will grow to appreciate the change and strive for the resilient knowledge that facilitates it. IseeQ wishes you good luck for the future, and we hope our paths will cross someday.