Recruiting and recruiters often get a bad reputation. Some of it is deserved. Many people have horror stories about trying to fill a role (ghosted!) or being recruited to fill a role (hounded!).
I had an interesting experience just 4 days ago with a person who seemed like a rock solid technical fit for a role but when I explained part of the process was a video interview, I found a soft skills issue when the candidate spewed obscenities and venom about the process. I became the recipient of his deep anger issues. He both pulled out of the process and made my black list in about 30 seconds. I was both nonplussed and fascinated by his reaction to a normal part of a vetting process. I wish him well and although he made my blacklist, I had this deep desire to call him back and offer counseling (I didn't. Maybe I should have).
I've heard stories from others about being solicited for a role that clearly didn't match their background or hounded by endless recruiters after saying "no." One thing I've been adamantly opposed to my entire career is viewing the recruiting market as a "meat market." It hurts my soul to even hear the term. Sadly, too many recruiters view it as such and too many candidates are treated as such.
Despite our horror stories, recruiters play a vital role in the industry in connecting people with roles. As a recruiter, I get such a feeling of satisfaction when a match is made and both company and candidate are pleased. Being a part of improving someone's life career-wise for the better is deeply gratifying.
Despite our horror stories, recruiters play a vital role in the industry in connecting people with roles.
There are certainly good and bad principles in the recruiting world. I'd like to share some of the positive principles I believe in - if you happen to use HR Stream to fill a role or as the means of finding a role, I hope this is what you experience:
Good Communication: Both company and candidate should expect accurate, transparent and timely communication. Yes, there may be things that can't or shouldn't be shared but accurate information about the role, transparency about the process and timely information when there is something to share should be the start. I often find myself trying to even out communication if the process feels like a roller coaster so the client or candidate doesn't feel jerked around but if they ask for more details, I share the details.
When we treat each other with respect, what more can we ask?
Merit Based Decisions: Employment law prevents discrimination yet the results don't always show it. There should be no discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, skin color, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Hiring decisions should be 100% based on merit and role fit based on the qualifications.
Respect for All: In my point of view, respect is the most important principle. I just finished a book a few weeks ago called, The Anatomy of Peace. The premise and invitation of the book is to treat people as people not objects. This infers SO MUCH. When we treat each other with respect and as humans, it affects our actions, our words and even our thoughts. It is a fundamental shift that affects any interaction we have with another human. Our relationships are more rich and rewarding. We're more likely to give than receive. Empathy for others dominates. When we treat each other with respect, what more can we ask?
Cultural exploration: If I reach out to you as a candidate, be prepared to explore three areas for cultural fit based on, The Ideal Team Player, by Patrick Lencioni…
Humble: People who are humble are not self-deprecating, they are extremely confident. They acknowledge the importance of the team and admit to mistakes and offer and receive apologies with grace.
Hungry: People who are hungry do more than what a project requires, have a passion for achievement, are responsible, and are constantly learning new things.
People Smarts: People who have people smarts are very sensitive to the needs of others, know how to get along with a wide variety of personalities, easily show empathy to others, and demonstrate natural interest in others. They know how to adjust behaviors and styles when needed.
It's clear that the heart of good recruiting is treating people like people on both sides of the recruiting equation. Communication and respect should go both ways. Decisions should be based on merit and nothing else.
If you have tough roles to fill or are either passively or actively looking for your next adventure, I'd love to talk. Email me (info@hr-stream.com) or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.
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