A great recruiter is more than a “job filler”. Although filling an order is part of the job, recruiters should be able to sell, communicate and negotiate. Our report will outline 7 essential traits that classify an effective recruiter.
Customer Relations
Like every customer oriented job, recruiting requires communication and professionalism. A recruiter should possess outstanding interpersonal capabilities and communicate on various levels. The recruiter has to be confident and charismatic and know what client needs. Many factors will affect the completion of an order and it’s part of the recruiters’ job to demonstrate efficiency and wisdom throughout the process. A recruiter should always be accessible. Clients expect to work with someone who will keep them informed and is available when required. Finding the most qualified and suitable candidate should be paramount to both recruiter and client. The recruiter should ensure the candidate and client are compatible and the work environment and culture of the company is adaptable to the candidate. Obtaining and maintaining, the clients’ loyalty can be challenging, but it is one factor which makes a recruiters job more rewarding. Great listening skills and an open communication channel help foster great relationships.
Finding Qualified Candidates
Finding qualified candidates for a client is not an easy task. There are many steps that will impact this process. Sourcing qualified candidates starts with having an accurate depiction of the clients’ requirements. There should be a clear understanding on what kind of person he/she wants to hire and what the requirements are for the position. One of the most effective ways to have a qualified pool of candidates is through the use of tools such as assessments and interviews. An assessment allows the recruiter to distinguish between candidates that meet all the technical requirements of the position. Through an interview the recruiter becomes acquainted with the candidates’ personality, and his/her familiarity with the position. After the interview the recruiter is better equipped to decide if the candidate will be a good fit for the company. It’s also imperative to know more about the candidates’ personality, education and work experience to make an accurate match, thereby fulfilling the expectations of both parties. With the guidance of an effective recruiter, the candidate will also make the right decision regarding the job.
Sales
A vital aspect of a recruiters job is sales. It is not just about acquiring new clients, it is also selling the job to candidates.
The recruiter must know:
a) The company’s target market
b) The employers specific requirements
c) If the employer is serious about the order
d) If the candidate meets the employers requirements
Often times, recruiters lose their focus and offer services to companies that do not have any need for their service. This mistake can be time consuming and costly. A recruiter needs to know who, why, when, where and how to sell staffing services.
IT Literate
Technology is evolving very rapidly. For the most part, recruiting is conducted on computerized software. This allows recruiters to utilize various tools to connect with prospects, contact candidates and source new clients. Social mediums like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+, allow companies to connect with clients and candidates providing opportunities to increase their network.
Detail Oriented
An effective recruiter pays close attention to details. Recruiters should focus on meeting clients needs. Neglecting or overlooking minute details can harm the process, and negatively affect the relationship with clients or candidates. The recruiter has to complete an order with efficiency and accuracy.
Time Management
A great recruiter should always be aware of and consistently meet deadlines. They must be realistic on the length of time needed to fill a position, and never mislead clients. This will eventually impact future decisions for jobs with the company. Candidates also appreciate knowing the time frame for a position to be filled and to be notified when the position is filled.
Team Oriented
Recruiting requires team work, not just with co-workers but also with clients and candidates. Open communication will allow the recruiter to have a better understanding of what the client is looking for. Often times, clients are not specific with their requirements. It is the recruiters’ responsibility to get to know the client and establish a relationship where they can work together to select the best candidate for the position.
An effective recruiter will know what the candidate needs to improve on and the best candidate to choose for the job. Both candidate and recruiter should work together to ensure the candidate has a professional resume. If the candidate gets an interview, the recruiter should provide all the necessary information to prepare the candidate for the interview. Finally, the recruiter must give moral support to the candidate, as some candidates get nervous during interviews. Team work is essential to complete every aspect of the process.
There are several other traits that could be included in this article, however under our consideration, these 7 traits would make a successful and effective recruiter.
T. Bhatti & V. Sanchez | Contributing Writers
Sources:
http://www.fordyceletter.com/2013/10/22/the-earmarks-of-a-true-recruiter/
http://www.ere.net/2006/10/24/traits-that-turn-a-good-recruiter-into-a-great-recruiter/
http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobposter/staffing-recruiting/article.aspx?articleid=ATR_0046HIRINGRECRUITERS
http://www.ere.net/2012/07/26/8-skills-recruiters-should-have/
http://recruiterfiles.com/10-traits-of-a-successful-recruiter/
