Today’s guest blogger is Bill Benson with WilliamCharles Search Group located in Grand Rapids, MI. WilliamCharles is an executive search and professional recruiting firm specialized in finding managerial and executive talent in finance, HR, operations, sales/marketing as well as president/CEO roles. They have a concentration of clients in Michigan but they also work across the US. Bill is the secretary/treasurer of the NPAworldwide Board of Directors.
I am often asked…. how do I stay interested in recruiting after being in the business over 30 years. I thought I would share how I keep things fresh, stay productive and relevant while continuing to love my work!
I think we all want to believe that we are spending our time doing something that matters. Please accept and understand that you do important work! Recruiting is noble work. We help connect people in ways that make a difference in the lives of our candidates and we make a difference with our clients through the impact of hiring the right people.
Spend your time doing the work you enjoy. We might all have aspects of the job that we dislike. This is true of any job. Recruiters can find ways to make money and be successful doing the business in different ways. If you love the “hunt” for that right candidate, then don’t hand over that side of the work entirely. If you love client development and dislike the hunt (or grind) for candidates, then find someone to partner with you. For me…maintaining involvement in both areas keeps me more interested and engaged.
Find ways to renew. For me, attending the annual NPAworldwide Global Conference gives me a fresh perspective every year. Vacations are great for a break, but getting out of the office and attending a professional meeting will give you a refreshed outlook and attitude toward your work.
Balance. I have found over the years that volunteering in community and professional organizations has helped me add needed dimensions to my professional life. We all need new learning, new mentor relationships and variety to stay sharp. Balancing work life with personal life is also a key to staying interested. No one looks back from the end of their life and wishes they had worked more. We all need part of our identity wrapped into our outside relationships and interests. Recruiting is a great profession where we can make good money and keep a flexible schedule. Go to your kids’ soccer games!
Don’t get too high when things are going great and don’t let yourself get low when you are in a slump. This business is a roller coaster. The fastest way to burn out is failing to understand this basic reality. Keeping an even keel will give you a sustainable attitude and approach toward your work.
Don’t worry. Despite the noise…third party recruiting is not going away. BountyHunter, Job Scout, RPO’s, Recruiter Uber etc., etc. will not replace the need. I remember when Monster was going to do away with third party recruiters. It is important to find your niche, add value and build client relationships. Client relationships will help you sustain your business in the long run but it is not the only way. Getting very deep in a particular niche is another way. Mostly…hard work sustains success.
Hopefully, some of these thoughts from a (young) old timer will give you some new perspectives. What can you add to the list?
Bill.. you make some wonderful points. I can’t agree more.. especially the part about investing in yourself as a professional and ATTENDING meetings. Don’t wait for your boss to organize this… make it a habit to commit to continuous learning! I have learned from young and old throughout my years as a recruiter and am thankful we have NPAWorldwide to host value ridden conferences.
Hi Bill, this was a great piece and I’ve shared it with my network. I’m proud that my firm is part of such a terrific group of professionals. Can’t wait for the next opportunity for a meeting.