Shifting Away from Recruitment
After spending a decade in IT recruitment—four of those years running my own firm—I’m ready to move on from this industry. I used to find great joy in my work, but the pandemic has transformed many aspects of the business, often for the worse.
What I cherished most was building relationships, taking clients out, and immersing myself in their personal and professional lives. However, with the rise of remote work, opportunities for in-person networking and meetings have dwindled. I thrive in face-to-face interactions, and find phone and Zoom calls to be lacking in authenticity and effectiveness.
Additionally, I’m frustrated by the shift in LinkedIn’s focus—from a professional networking platform to a space dominated by influencers and content creators. I relied on LinkedIn for recruitment, but wading through all the social media noise is exhausting, especially since I don’t engage with social media in my personal life.
The IT job market still hasn’t fully rebounded, and with the advent of AI automation looming, I worry about its future. I recently applied for several contract recruiting roles to buy myself some time, but I was met with an overwhelming influx of applicants—over 3,000 for each position within 48 hours. For the first time, I haven’t received even a single call for an interview.
That’s why I’ve decided to pursue my MBA and embark on a new journey. I have a few career ideas in mind, but I’m reluctant to disregard a decade of experience and feel as though I’m starting from scratch.
To those who have successfully transitioned out of recruitment into different business fields: What paths did you take? How did your recruiting skills translate to your new roles? Do you have any regrets, or are you pleased with your decision to move on?
I’m looking to compile a list of viable career options that would allow me to leverage the skills I’ve gained in this unpredictable industry.
Thanks in advance for your insights!
RCadmin
It’s understandable that after a decade in IT recruitment, you’re feeling the need for a change, especially considering the shifts in the industry and your personal preferences. Your focus on relationship-building and in-person interactions is truly valuable, and those skills can certainly transfer to many other fields.
Here are a few career paths that might resonate with your background and allow you to leverage your skills:
Sales and Business Development: Your experience in understanding client needs and building relationships would serve you well in a sales role. You could focus on tech sales or even other industries where interpersonal interactions are key.
Human Resources: Beyond recruitment, HR roles in employee relations, training and development, or organizational development can benefit from your experience in understanding talent and workplace relationships.
Consulting: If you enjoy problem-solving and helping organizations improve, consulting might be a good fit. Your background in recruitment provides insight into workforce needs, which can be valuable in many consulting scenarios.
Project Management: Your ability to coordinate and manage candidates through the recruitment process can translate well into project management, especially in tech-focused roles. This would allow you to work on diverse projects and leverage your organizational skills.
Account Management: If you prefer a steady stream of client interaction, account management could be an excellent fit. It involves developing and maintaining relationships, much like recruitment, but with a focus on client satisfaction and retention.
Regarding your concerns about starting over, remember that the skills you’ve developed—communication, negotiation, relationship-building, and understanding of the tech industry—are all transferable. Many employers value diverse experiences and the unique perspective you can bring to a new role.
As for regrets, every transition can be challenging, but many who have pivoted successfully often find that their previous experience adds depth to their new roles. It’s common to feel apprehensive about change, but embracing new opportunities can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.
Best of luck with your MBA and exploring new career options! Your willingness to adapt will serve you well in this journey.