In our world, maintaining a calm and focused mind can seem like an impossible task. However, by cultivating certain habits, even the busiest recruiters can find more peace in their daily lives.
Here are six practices that can help you develop a calmer mindset, even when it feels like you’re falling off the rails.
- Manage Your Expectations
As recruiters, we often set high expectations for ourselves, our candidates, and our clients. While ambition is crucial in our field, unrealistic expectations can lead to constant stress and disappointment. Instead of imagining how a placement “should” go, focus on the actual progress you’re making. Recognize that you can’t control the end outcome of the hiring process, and learn to adapt to the realities of each unique situation.
- Focus on Activity, Not Outcomes
There are so many factors outside of our control. We can never make a candidate take a job they don’t want. We can never make a hiring manager extend an offer to a candidate they don’t want. Get it out of your head. Candidates accept other offers, clients suddenly freeze hiring. Rather than fixating on outcomes, concentrate on the quality of your work. Take pride in conducting thorough searches, preparing candidates well, and maintaining strong client relationships. By focusing on what you can control – your activity and efforts – you’ll find more peace of mind, regardless of the final results.
- Embrace the Joy of Discernment
In our industry, there’s often pressure to chase every lead and respond to every request immediately. However, constantly saying “yes” can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness. Instead, cultivate the joy of being discerning. Nicely tell someone to “pound sand” and you get that time back. Prioritize your most promising leads and important tasks. Recognize that by saying “no” to less critical activities, you’re saying “yes” to quality work and personal well-being. This approach allows you to focus your energy where it matters most, leading to better results and a calmer state of mind.
- Set Clear Boundaries
No. I won’t show you a slate of candidates. No. You can’t do a 12-person panel interview. No. I won’t keep this candidate warm while you interview 30 unqualified candidates so you can feel more confident in your ability to make a decision. If the server at a walk-up restaurant can yell “next” because someone isn’t ready to order, so can you. Establishing and maintaining professional boundaries is a cornerstone of our success as recruiters. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of clients or candidates, leading to long hours and constant availability. You will never lose a deal by waiting for 2 hours to respond to an email, but if you respond too quickly, you inadvertently set the expectation of always being available. Don’t set yourself up for this expectation because of your need to over-deliver.
- Manage Your Thoughts, Not Your Emotions
Recruiting is an emotional rollercoaster. From the high of closing a difficult placement to the low of losing a candidate you knew was a deal, our feelings can fluctuate wildly. Instead of trying to control these emotions directly, focus on managing your thoughts and reactions. When anxiety about hitting targets creeps in, redirect your thoughts to actionable steps you can take. Very few things are more important than the words we say to ourselves. Control your inner critic and use your emotions to power your activity.
- Cultivate a Supportive Network
The people around you significantly influence your state of mind. In the competitive world of recruiting, it’s vital to build a network of supportive colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Come to Celebrations & Spotlights, even if you’re multi-tasking. Make time for Deep Learning. Attend Lisa O’s coworking group. Participate in the recruiting FB groups. Surround yourself with other recruiters for more perspective and support.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can cultivate a calmer, more focused mind. This not only benefits your personal well-being but also enhances your effectiveness as a recruiter. Remember, developing these habits takes time and consistency. Be patient with yourself as you work towards a more balanced and peaceful approach to your professional life.
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.
