Doing more is simply not enough

Written by: Stephanie Healy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at One Recruiter

The recruitment industry thrives on activity and productivity, yet simply doing more isn't the answer to drive results. To succeed, we must channel our efforts, recognising the unique demands and nuances of different desks - be it permanent or contracting, established markets, or new ones.

It’s about steering towards higher value activities that deliver more meaningful outcomes – and avoiding falling into the ‘busy fool’ trap in the process.

Here are 3 things to focus on when doing more is not enough.

What activity is right for your market?

First, it's crucial to understand the intricacies of each recruitment segment. Temp and perm desks operate under distinct dynamics.

Temp recruiters focus on high volume and speed, whereas perm recruiters need to cultivate long-term relationships and exclusivity.

Established markets come with their own set of challenges, requiring deep market knowledge and strong client relationships.

In contrast, new markets demand robust market research and innovative strategies.

By pinpointing these critical areas, you can direct your team’s efforts where they will have the most significant impact.

Leaders who are “in the market” have never been more important

Leadership is the cornerstone of this strategic focus The right leaders can inspire, guide, and develop their teams effectively.

However, having the wrong leaders can stifle growth and learning. It’s crucial to ensure that the right leaders are leading the right people.

Misaligned reporting structures where team members aren't learning or growing under ineffective managers is a recipe for disaster.

Clarify the leadership roles and responsibilities so they know what they are expected to do and how their success will be measured.

WFH is not a trust issue, it’s a learning issue

Those fortunate enough to have such leaders “in the market” should capitalize on their expertise.

Shadow their calls and meetings, create mentoring relationships, embrace feedback and coaching spanning all roles. Many recruiters and leaders lack the necessary skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s market. Continuous learning and development is essential to overcome this, and this often requires being physically present in the office to observe, listen, and adapt.

Remote work hampers this kind of learning, which is fundamental in a collaborative sales environment.

As an industry, we must shift our focus from sheer activity to strategic productivity by doing more of what truly matters. By doing so, your customers, your people and your business will thank you.