The Follow-Through
Proper basketball shooting mechanics dictates a consistent “follow-through” contributing to a smoother and more accurate shot attempt. As part of good fundamentals, following-through is not only taught, but encouraged at all levels. It’s the last thing in the act of shooting that helps to guide the ball into the basket, yet few regularly follow-through. The average recruiter can take an order from a customer, source resumes, submit them to the hiring managers, arrange interviews, make the placement, & collect the fee; rinse and repeat. Yet, despite doing all of the “right things” to make the placement, one in four recruiters are likely to leave within a year of starting at an agency. That’s 25% annually. The average basketball player can dribble the ball, pivot, position their elbows and knees into a shooting posture, & release the ball, yet only a few have the success rate of Stephen Curry. So, what’s the differentiator in all of this? Like shooting, recruiting relies heavily on details. Why are recruiters seemingly doing everything right, but not able to build healthy relationships with clients and candidates? The answer lies in the follow-through, which for many, are details seldom emphasized. I think of following-through as the small steps in-between the bigger steps to a successful outcome. Getting to know your clients and candidates by engaging in several conversations during the hiring process; visiting your customer’s office or facility; making yourself available after hours and on weekends; providing interview feedback to candidates; post hire congratulatory gifts; reaching out consistently post hire to ensure the well-being of your candidates. What would your career look like if you followed-through? What about your job search? If more recruiters were dedicated to the details of proper execution, this would not only lead to more placements & satisfied customers, but there would be less frustration within our ranks leading to decreased turnover. What does following-through look like in your profession? How can you be a better executer in your field?
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