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​What makes a brilliant recruiter? Part 2: Six key character traits

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Article posted by Cobalt - US

Ask any recruiter and they will tell you it takes a certain character to thrive in the world of recruitment. Here are just a few observations you might find useful if you’re considering a career or new role in recruitment:

  1. Empathy – If you don’t care, why should your client or candidate? Too many recruiters “process” their applicants or clients with little genuine empathy as to the drivers behind a job move or hiring decision. Take the time to build genuine rapport with people and it will always pay dividend in the long term.

  2. Discipline –Keeping focus is crucial - on revenue-generating tasks vs admin, making sure you ALWAYS follow up (sales are rarely made on one conversation but 4-7). Recruiters know the importance of when to work hard, so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor.

  3. Directness – Alongside verbal communication skills is the ability to ask the tough question. Does a candidate REALLY want to leave, does a client NEED that hire? If you have the ability to challenge people and be unafraid of walking away from the wrong business you will be more successful, less frustrated and ultimately far more productive.

  4. Perseverance – Sales is simple, but not easy. You have to be prepared to grind daily and never stop. Period.

  5. Intellectual curiosity – I often tell people to think like my daughter when she was 5, WHY WHY WHY. Never take the first answer, look for what makes people tick, question your candidates and client true intentions. Great recruiters are like human engineers, always looking to understand. If you’re happy with the top line and don’t enjoy digging for the truth and learning every day, this probably isn’t for you.

  6. A sense of urgency – NOW NOW NOW. Whereas we can’t create urgency that doesn’t already exist, we must capitalize when it does. Shortlist in a few days, why not today? Interviews next week, why not today/tomorrow? Terms not signed for a week, is it really urgent? A good quality process can still be fast and in a candidate-driven market, it will significantly increase a client’s chance of securing talent.

We’re always on the lookout for passionate and ambitious people to join our team.

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