The Recruiters Wish List for Christmas
Win new PSLs
Every recruiter will aim to get onto their best client’s preferred supplier list (PSL). It’s an ideal situation for the recruiter in terms of regular work. It’s also an assured first point of contact for high turnover recruitment requirements. If you can get on a PSL for a business that naturally has a high turnover of workers, or recruits regularly for ERP contractors and specialists, you could very quickly build up attractive business volumes and pipeline for your year ahead. Carry out some analysis on potential clients. Identify who to work on to achieve PSL status; make a list and establish your strategy for each prospect over the Christmas break.
Increase your income
At the heart of every good sales person lies that drive and desire to do better than they did the previous year. Recruiters are often unashamedly motivated by money, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing visible signs of your success, particularly as they will have been hard won through excellent work and superior service to your clients. Set yourself an income target in 2014. Consider whether you can increase your basic rate, or work to win more commission and bonuses through your results.
Progress in your career
Recruitment is an excellent industry for career progression. Graduates who join the industry may start as assistant recruiters. They can then work their way up to managing key accounts or teams, specialist desks, emerging markets, overseas clients, preferred supplier and large accounts, or they might even become directors. Some will eventually break away and start their own agencies, or go into specialized fields, such as executive search and selection. Whatever your ambition, start to identify your career path now, plotting all the moves (including sideways steps) to get there.
Improve your recruitment skills
Not everyone can succeed in recruitment, and even the best recruiters are constantly brushing up on their skills. Make sure you are one of them by availing of the right training and networking opportunities. Never let your skills get tired. You can always improve and develop.
Find a mentor
A more experienced recruiter can drive your career forward, providing an invaluable source of experience and knowledge. And the mentor-mentee relationship often benefits both parties. Speak to your director about the possibilities, and even consider finding a mentor from outside the recruitment industry if necessary; perhaps a business leader who has a genuine desire to develop talent.
Learn to network to perfection
Networking is an art form that many people find easy to master. Even less confident recruiters can learn the tips and techniques that they need to work a room and make valuable contacts. Don’t leave this to chance. Speak to experienced staff, attend courses and read blogs that explain how to develop your networking strategy and etiquette.
Get to grips with social media
Some recruiters are criticize d nowadays for overusing social media, but other more experienced recruiters tend not to embrace these channels as well as they might. If you are guilty of ignoring this form of social networking and lead generation, get trained up so that you feel confident using LinkedIn and Twitter.
Learn how to maximize your data
Again, if you aren’t wholly au fait with your agency’s CRM or database system, ask for training or befriend the systems manager! The more you can learn to cut or target data, the better chance you have of building up a good contacts lists.
Learn how to perfectly present yourself
Presentation is key in this industry, so at Christmas, evaluate how you dress, walk, shake hands and smile when you meet people. If necessary, have a friend or family member video you, so that you can assess your appearance and overall presentation. By learning to smile and make eye contact when meeting someone – not fiddle with your phone, fidget or look distracted – you can greatly increase your rapport and success with client interactions.
Resolve to enjoy your job!
Recruitment is a demanding and challenging industry, but also one that is greatly enjoyable and fun. Make the most of all that it has to offer. Attend functions, gala evenings, incentive trips, team nights out and client entertaining. Accept that you’ll need to work hard whilst you’re young; you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour as you reach the highest echelons of your career. Enjoy your team, foster strong relationships and enjoy the camaraderie that exists within a good working team, making sure that you play your part in creating a fun, supportive and hard-working atmosphere. Your efforts will not go unnoticed by those in charge.