The 3 essential skills of Modern Strategic Recruiters

from my chat with Katrina Collier

Everything is moving so bloody fast, I read that the half-life of skills is now only 5 years and in tech, it’s even 2/3 years! Read here

So I started to launch the podcast with Katrina and kicked off with how to get some of the basics right! And yes that’s the essential skills of modern recruiters!

1. Facilitating “Recruitment Alignment Meetings” These kick offs are moving to more of alignment meetings. They are not just routine steps in the hiring process; they are foundational to successful talent acquisition. You don’t start adding taps to a kitchen without having plumbing in and its the same here.

To be effective in these meetings, recruiters must do this:

• Prepare Thoroughly: Understand the role requirements and the company's culture in detail before the meeting.

• Set Clear Objectives: Outline what needs to be achieved in the meeting, such as understanding the role, the ideal candidate profile, and the hiring manager's expectations.

• Engage in Active Listening: Pay close attention to the hiring manager's needs and concerns, showing that you value their input and perspective.


Click here to view Katrina explaining this


2. Learn to be Assertive. This skill is so underrated, and is crucial in today’s recruitment world, especially with how competitive it is. Recruiters must be confident in their expertise and unafraid to set boundaries and expectations.

To develop assertiveness: here are some tips

• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your recruitment process and the importance of collaboration with hiring managers.

• Stand Firm on Standards: Don’t hesitate to push back respectfully when necessary, especially if it concerns the quality and efficacy of the recruitment process. It’s ok to say no if you’re not getting what you need.

• Build Credibility: Continuously update your knowledge in the field to back up your strategies and decisions with current best practices.

Finally….

3. Strategic Questioning You need to be asking the right questions. This is a super powerful skill that can transform the recruitment process.

Here’s what you can be doing better:

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage hiring managers to think deeply about their needs, such as “What would the ideal candidate achieve in their first year?”

•Focus on Long-Term Fit: Questions should revolve around the long-term impact and contributions of the candidate, not just filling an immediate vacancy.

• Challenge Assumptions: Politely challenge any preconceived notions or unrealistic expectations to ensure a realistic and effective hiring process.

As we all know recruitment is continuously changing, and those who adapt and refine their skills will thrive. By doing effective alignment meetings, practising assertiveness, and employing strategic questioning, talent teams can rise from mere facilitators to strategic partners in talent acquisition.