Positivity. Consistency. Vulnerability.
Every thriving relationship you’ve ever experienced hinges on these three pillars. If any relationship feels lackluster, one of these elements is missing. Social research underscores successful teams, fulfilling marriages, and close friendships all rest on these foundations.
Want better relationships with your clients and candidates? Let’s explore how these principles can elevate your recruiting strategy.
- Positivity: The Key to Engagement
When we practice positivity, we feel satisfied.
As recruiters, creating a positive experience is crucial. Clients and candidates aren’t looking for more stress or negativity in their interactions with us. They want encounters that are uplifting, enjoyable, and affirming. This is what drives them to return and engage more deeply.
In the initial stages of building a relationship, positivity might be as simple as a genuine smile, a compliment, or showing sincere curiosity about their career goals. These small gestures make a lasting impression and encourage them to continue the conversation.
Over time, as these relationships grow, positivity becomes more personalized with random acts of kindness. It could be remembering and acknowledging a candidate’s milestone or sending a thoughtful message to a client after a successful placement. These actions show that you value them beyond just a transaction.
Positivity isn’t about constant cheerfulness. It’s about ensuring that both parties feel valued, supported, and satisfied with the interaction. This often means showing empathy and providing validation during tough times, rather than forcing a smile. Positivity in recruiting fosters a sense of reliability and trust, which is essential for long-term relationships.
Reflect on how you bring positivity to your interactions:
- How do you leave people feeling after a meeting or call?
- Do your clients and candidates feel valued and appreciated?
- What steps do you take to ensure your interactions are positive and meaningful?
- Consistency: Building Trust Through Reliability
When we practice consistency, we feel safe.
Consistency in recruiting means being dependable. Regular follow-ups, scheduled check-ins, and reliable communication build a foundation of trust. Just like friendships formed through frequent interactions in school or at work, recruiting relationships deepen through consistent engagement. With our candidates, we have Follow-up Fridays, where you will touch every single candidate in the process to give them an update and not allow them to talk themselves out of being interested in your opportunity. Schedule this as a recurring calendar invite every Friday afternoon.
Think about it: your most reliable connections likely come from places where you see each other regularly, such as networking events, industry conferences, or even social media. This repeated exposure creates familiarity, leading to comfort and trust.
Consistency leads to predictability. Your clients and candidates need to know they can count on you. Whether it’s showing up for a scheduled meeting or delivering on promises, your reliability is what sets you apart.
To enhance consistency in your recruiting efforts, ask yourself:
- Do you maintain regular communication with your clients and candidates?
- Are you consistent in your follow-ups and availability?
- Do your clients and candidates feel prioritized?
- Vulnerability: Creating Genuine Connections
When we practice vulnerability, we feel seen.
Vulnerability in recruiting involves showing genuine interest and being open about your own experiences and insights. It’s about moving beyond surface-level interactions and building deeper connections. When clients and candidates feel they can share their true selves, their needs, and their concerns, it fosters a stronger, more meaningful relationship.
Being vulnerable doesn’t mean sharing every detail of your personal life. It means being authentic and transparent. Share your industry knowledge, insights, and experiences. Show empathy and understanding when they express challenges or frustrations.
Vulnerability builds trust and rapport, and we should be leveraging it accordingly. Clients and candidates want to work with someone who understands them, someone they can trust. By being open and genuine, you create a safe space for them to do the same.
Consider your approach to vulnerability:
- How do you show genuine interest in your clients’ and candidates’ lives and careers?
- Do you create opportunities for open and honest communication?
- Are you transparent about your processes and decisions?
The Essence of Strong Relationships in Recruiting
Friendship in recruiting is about two people feeling seen in a safe and satisfying way. It’s about building relationships where both parties feel valued, understood, and supported.
By focusing on positivity, consistency, and vulnerability, you can create connections which go beyond mere transactions. These relationships not only lead to successful placements but also to a network of loyal clients and candidates who trust and value your partnership.
Embrace these principles to foster meaningful, lasting relationships in your recruiting efforts.
Stop working in a silo! Get the support you need from expert coaches and a group of high performing peers. Learn more below.
Tricia Tamkin, headhunter, advisor, coach, and gladiator. Tricia has spoken at over 50 recruiting events, been quoted in multiple national publications, and her name is often dropped in groups as the solution to any recruiters’ challenges. She brings over 30 years of deep recruiting experience and offers counsel in a way which is perspective changing and entertaining.
