Our guest blogger is Judy Tilmont, owner of JST Search Group in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) and a member of the NPAworldwide Board of Directors. JST Search Group places professionals in a wide range of manufacturing, engineering, operations, and finance roles.
I love a new year. Everything about it speaks to excitement. It’s a new start, a time for reflection, resolution and goal setting. As recruiters, we look forward to the new year more than most. Our clients have new budget dollars, which usually translates to new hires. They are eager to talk with us about their openings. They want butts in the seats before someone else lays claim to that budget. Candidates are now willing to hear about new opportunities. They’ve made resolutions, too. They have told themselves, “I will make a change this year!” They can see the end of the school year and will consider relocation. And, oh yeah, the housing market is picking up. The engine is primed and we are ready to roll.
We’ve made our resolutions, too. We’ve set our goals. And whether they are based on placements made, fees collected, new client contracts signed or some combination of all three, I think it is important to spend just a few more minutes reflecting. The question I would ask you to consider is, “What are we really doing here?”
The answer is we are changing lives. Think about it. With every phone call we ask someone to trust that we can change their life for the better. To a client, we can find the person who will relieve the stress caused by that open position. We can find the one person that can make their company money, save their company money or fill the one void in the process that will make it easier to make or save money on a day-to-day basis. To candidates, they trust that we will put them in a place where they can pay their bills a little easier; their career will grow faster, where they can be a difference maker. Though the decision always rests with them they look to us for the guidance, answers or reassurance to make the final commitment.
I challenge you in this New Year to think about what you are doing in those terms. Think about how we impact lives and what tremendous trust we must garner to allow that to happen. When we submit candidates, make sure they are the ones that will make a difference, those that will fill the void. When you discuss offers with your candidates, consider the changes they are making and how their lives will be affected. Are they going to be able to pay their bills easier? Is this a culture where they will thrive? I guarantee that’s how your clients and candidates are really thinking about it. So add it to your resolutions. Start each day, remembering people trust you to change their lives for the better and act accordingly, and I promise, this will be a great year!
