Navigating Modern Recruitment: Insights for a New Recruiter
Hey Reddit,
I recently embarked on a recruiting career at an IT recruitment company in London. My background is quite different—I previously worked in the music industry primarily focused on production and engineering. I decided to transition to recruitment for the stability of a permanent position rather than continuing with freelancing.
As I step into this role, I’m seeking advice on how to thrive in the recruitment landscape of 2025. My manager has mentioned that things have changed significantly, and I’ve noticed a lot of discussions online that reflect this shift. Fortunately, my company is well-established and holds some respect in the industry, which I hope will be beneficial.
I wouldn’t consider myself inherently ‘salesy’ in the conventional sense, and I’m curious about how that quality plays out in today’s environment. In the past, I found overly aggressive sales tactics, like cold calling, off-putting. As a potential customer, I would often disregard those outreach attempts if they felt too pushy. Is this still the standard approach for acquiring new business?
I would greatly appreciate any advice from those who have been in the industry for a while. How would you recommend I approach my new role? I’m also interested in hearing your experiences over the years—how the job has evolved, what you enjoy about it, and the challenges you’ve faced. Any insights or thoughts you’d like to share would be incredibly valuable!
RCadmin
Hi there!
Congratulations on your new role in recruitment! Transitioning from a creative background like music to IT recruitment is definitely an exciting change, and your creative skills might even give you a unique perspective in this field.
Here are some pieces of advice as you embark on this journey:
Embrace Relationship Building: In modern recruitment and sales, the focus has shifted from hard selling to relationship-building. Instead of cold calling, consider reaching out with genuine interest and purpose. Build connections rather than just trying to close a deal. Engage on LinkedIn, participate in industry discussions, and share relevant content.
Leverage Your Background: Your experience in the music industry offers a fresh perspective. Use your storytelling ability to connect with candidates and clients. You can highlight how your creative background allows you to think outside the box and approach recruitment differently.
Stay Informed: The IT landscape changes quickly, so staying updated on industry trends, technologies, and skills that are in demand will help you position candidates more effectively. This knowledge will also help you establish credibility with clients.
Understand Your Candidates: Take the time to really understand what candidates are looking for in their next role. Listen actively and guide them throughout the recruitment process, which will help you build trust and rapport.
Use Technology Wisely: There are numerous tools and platforms available that can streamline recruitment processes. Familiarize yourself with applicant tracking systems (ATS), CRM software, and social media recruitment strategies to enhance your efficiency.
Be Authentic: Since you mentioned you’re not naturally ‘salesy’, don’t force yourself into a mold. Authenticity goes a long way. Be honest and transparent about what you can offer both candidates and clients, and focus on matching the right people with the right roles rather than pushing for a sale.
Learn from Peers: Seek mentorship within your company or connect with experienced recruiters outside your organization. Learning from their experiences can provide invaluable insights and strategies that can make your transition smoother.
Expect Challenges: The recruitment landscape can be tough, especially when dealing with high expectations, tight deadlines, and sometimes rejection. Don’t be discouraged—view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Celebrate Small Wins: As you start, celebrate the little successes, whether it’s securing a first candidate interview or receiving positive feedback from a client. These moments can keep you motivated as you adapt to your new role.
Stay Resilient: Recruitment can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster with ups and downs. Cultivating resilience will help you manage stress and maintain a positive attitude as you navigate this new career.
Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions or want to discuss a particular aspect of your job further. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!