In recruiting, there are very few days that go according to plan. We often have to juggle our schedules to make sure that we are finding the time to work on finding or closing candidates, as well as managing the relationships between our client and the hiring manager(s). In addition, there are certain events that come up during the day that throw recruiters off of their normal routine: [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][optinlocker]
- A candidate cancels their interview and now you’re scrambling to reschedule the interview (or to find someone who can).
- A new position opened and the hiring manager wants you to work on it ASAP.
- You’re called into a last minute meeting by your boss and a project takes priority over your current list of ‘to-do’ items.
Most jobs have unforeseen events unfold during the day and recruiting is no different. When it comes to the recruiting world, managing the ups and downs can also be crucial. Here is what you can do to handle and organize your day in order to balance your priorities and keep your issues from spiraling as well as some tips on what not to do:
DO: keep a list of priorities…on a daily basis. Prioritization is a key component to any job, especially in recruiting. Learning what needs to be taken care of immediately, within the day, can be beneficial in keeping you in line with your tasks and keeping your sanity too.
DON’T: take on more than you can handle. Learning how to say ‘no’ if you have too much on your plate is crucial. Saying ‘no’ isn’t an indictment on your work ethic, but rather a smart way to handle what you need to work on for your company first before taking on extra projects.
DO: communicate frequently with essential people at your workplace to set your day up for success. Whether it’s your manager, other recruiters, sourcers, recruiting coordinators, always have a steady flow of communication in order to avoid any hiccups in scheduling, understanding requirements, and setting up priorities for the future.
DON’T: burn bridges based off of temporary emotions. Recruiting can be like rolling a roller coaster; the ups and downs are inevitable, but it’s all about how you handle them that matters. If you’re upset about a candidate rejecting an offer, or a hiring manager changing requirements (again), or a candidate not showing up to an interview, just remember to think, then react with emotional maturity. You never want to burn bridges with a candidate or a hiring manager just because of one incident; you never know when you may work with them again.
DO: make sure you keep what’s at work, at work. This is something I have more recently learned to do, which is to not bring your work home with you. There are days when you have to respond to messages or have to send out an offer after work hours, but ultimately, it’s best to not bring the physical and emotional aspects of work home with you. You’ll notice a decreased level of stress and a clearer focus when you come into work the next day.
DON’T: rest on your laurels. Recruiting is enwrapped in a world of ego; the more placements you make, the more you are deemed a ‘good recruiter’ and so forth. It’s easy to rest on your laurels after a few good placements; what’s more important is the fact that you prepare yourself for your next placement and your next success; success is not an action, but a habit and with that, your habits come from continued, positive practices that you work on every day.
Overall, handling and organizing your day is essential in order be a successful recruiter and to also keep you on track for future success. In addition, the benefits of handling and organizing your success are tenfold; you’ll come to work with a plan and your mind will be clear to handle any unforeseen obstacles that may come your way during the day. These are lessons I’ve learned over the years and I hope this helps with your success as a recruiter.
By Joe Griesbach | People Science Sr Talent Advisor
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