Do you want a tip on your recruitment career?

The most critical one I can think of.

Its importance has been amplified by fake news, AI-generated PR, and the pervasive lack of authenticity.

Don’t mess with your reputation.

It’s the only thing you will take with you when you leave. (Leave? Yes, leave your current employer, the recruiting profession, and this life)

Every contact with a candidate, client or colleague is a ‘moment of truth’.

Ask yourself after every interaction.

‘Did what I just did or said enhance or damage my reputation?’

Remember, it’s not only the candidates you help — it’s the ones you don’t find a job.

It’s the colleagues less senior than yourself.

The client who is small and irregular and maybe ‘not worthy of your time’.

Suppliers, who, after all, should be grateful to you, right?

And remember, too, it’s not only the ‘big things’ that determine how you are thought and spoken about. It is the call not returned, the commitment unmet, the snarky, unkind remark.

You can be competitive—a tough negotiator. Aim for the very top. Relentless in your pursuit of success.

But…

Treat people with respect, even if you believe you do not ‘need to’.

Do what you say you’re going to do. (Oh boy, do not get me started on this)

Never screw anyone over.

Your actual reputation is what people say about you when you are not in the room.

It has nothing to do with what you say about yourself online.

In the long run, your reputation will get you there.

Referrals, recommendations, repeat business, references.

But better than all that. You never have to hide behind a pillar when you see someone you have let down coming the other way in the street.

Take the case of the best recruiter in the history of recruitment

Which would you rather hear about yourself?

‘Fun guy. Good for a laugh. But a bit of a flake. Never follows through on anything.’

Or

‘Demanding woman sometimes – but knows her stuff inside out, and you can always trust her.’

Your reputation is your elixir of eternal recruitment career life.

Protect it and burnish it.

Through your actions.

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Two recruitment books that will really help you

Over 20,000 copies sold

The Savage Truth. Get it here

Recruit. The Savage Way. Get it here

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