Modern Recruitment and Sales: Advice for a New Recruiter
Hello, Reddit!
I recently embarked on a new journey as a recruiter at an IT recruitment firm in London. Coming from a completely different background in the music industry, where I primarily worked in production and engineering, I decided to make this transition for the stability of a permanent position after years of freelancing.
I’m reaching out to see if anyone has insights or tips for someone starting in this field in 2025. My manager has mentioned that the recruitment landscape has shifted significantly over the years, and I’m glad to be part of a well-established company that has a good reputation.
I wouldn’t describe myself as inherently “salesy” in the traditional sense, and I’m curious about how that plays out in today’s recruitment environment. In the past, I found aggressive sales tactics—like cold calling—to be off-putting, and I often dismissed outreach that felt overly sales-driven. Is this approach still effective for gaining new business?
Any advice from seasoned professionals, especially regarding navigating this role as a newcomer, would be immensely appreciated. I’m also interested in hearing about your experiences over the years—what’s changed, what you enjoy, and what challenges you’ve faced. Let’s discuss anything you think could be insightful or beneficial!
RCadmin
Hi there!
Welcome to the world of recruitment! It’s great to see someone transitioning into this field from a creative background like music production – that unique perspective can actually be a huge asset in your new role. Here are some thoughts and tips that might help you as you navigate this new career path:
Build Relationships, Not Sales: The recruitment landscape has indeed shifted towards a more relationship-driven approach. Focusing on building genuine connections with both candidates and clients can be more effective than traditional sales tactics. People appreciate a personal touch, especially in the tech industry, where culture and fit matter so much. Try to understand your clients’ needs and the candidates’ aspirations rather than just pushing for a quick sale.
Leverage Your Background: Your experience in the music industry may provide valuable insights into the creative aspects of technology roles. Many IT professionals appreciate the creative viewpoint and may connect better with someone who understands the nuances of different industries. Use this to your advantage in conversations and pitches.
Learn the Industry: Obviously, understanding the specifics of IT and the various roles within it will be crucial to your success. Take time to learn about the technologies and trends in the industry—this will help you communicate effectively with both clients and candidates. Attend webinars, read industry publications, and consider networking with people in the field to expand your knowledge.
Focus on Value, Not Pressure: If aggressive sales techniques make you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many modern recruitment strategies emphasize adding value instead of creating pressure. Offer insights, provide market data, and help clients understand the benefits of working with you without pushing them into a decision.
Utilize Technology: Tools like applicant tracking systems (ATS), CRM software, and social media platforms are crucial in recruitment. Familiarize yourself with these tools early on to streamline your processes and manage your candidate/client relationships more effectively.
Seek Feedback and Learn: Since you’re new, asking for feedback from your manager and colleagues will be invaluable. Don’t hesitate to take on mentorship or coaching relationships within your company. They can provide insights you won’t find in traditional training.
Stay Resilient and Adaptable: Recruitment can be tough, with its ups and downs, so maintaining resilience is key. Be open to learning from setbacks and adapt your strategies based on what works and what doesn’t.
Network: Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking—both online and offline. Join recruitment groups on LinkedIn, attend industry conferences, and engage with others in the field. Building a solid network can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships.
Remember, your journey is yours to make unique. Best of luck as you embark on this new adventure! You’ve got this!