I got an invitation to a lunch ‘catch-up’ from an old friend.

A retired recruiter.

But not just any recruiter.

Graham Whelan is the best recruiter I’ve ever met, and one of the nicest human beings to walk on God’s green earth. 

And he has been that way since before most of you reading this article were even born. (No hyperbole. He started in recruitment in the 1970s.)

A man of values, empathy and passion, he must have filled a thousand jobs. And he did it with professionalism, integrity and care for every person in the process.

Perhaps even more impactful is the fact he encouraged, helped, mentored and supported thousands of people. Clients, candidates and colleagues.

The last time I went to a ‘business lunch’ with Graham (Yes, a bottle of Barossa Shiraz and endless stories about recruitment and rugby. I ‘fess up), he was wrapping up one of his last placements before retirement.

It was so refreshing. His energy, excitement and sincere enthusiasm for the looming placement were as vigorous and heartfelt as during many similar conversations over the previous 35 years. No matter that he had been placing people in finance jobs since 1978. There is no worn-out apathy or cynicism here. His love of the chase, his desire to make the match and his interest in the welfare of his client and the candidates have not waned in five decades.

I worked with Graham for over 15 years, including 12 as partners in building a business called Recruitment Solutions, which went from start-up to an IPO on the Australian Securities Exchange. (For that story, read my first book, The Savage Truth.)

Graham epitomises what a great recruiter should be. I am in awe of his longevity in this most demanding of businesses and his passion and commitment to service.

The way he has done this job makes him different.

What is it that makes Graham unique? Why would I rank him at the top of a list of the many thousands of recruiters I worked with and against over the past 40 years?

He has all the technical recruiting skills, of course. His results were always outstanding in terms of numbers and dollars. He is the consummate recruiting professional. But he has more, too.

Let me count the ways.

He cares.

He cares about his clients, of course, but also about every candidate he deals with. Sure, he is looking to make the placement and the fee, but Graham has never lost sight of the human element of our business, and every person he deals with is treated with kindness and attention to detail. The word that bundles up his approach to people is ‘respect’. He has that rarest and seldom mentioned recruiter trait. Empathy. He treats everyone, no matter what that person might be able to do for him, with consideration and thoughtfulness.

He has incredible energy

I don’t want to break any privacy laws, but even post-60, he worked at the pace of the Energizer Bunny. Graham is a shorter man than I am, but when we went on client visits together, I almost had to run to keep up with him. He strides around the office and often stands when speaking on the phone during important conversations. Graham moves quickly from one call or meeting to the next. He is a little whirlwind of activity and inspires action around him. Typically, he worked from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting with a booming ‘bore da’ (Welsh for ‘good morning’) across the office as he strides in. Lunch is a sandwich at the desk. Every other minute is spent conversing with clients, candidates and colleagues. So many recruiters today could learn from this ‘activity ethos’. It is not blind ‘busyness’; it’s all quality, and it’s all with care. And he gets things done!

He is honest

Of course, he has impeccable business integrity, but he is honest at a deeper level. He tells clients when he can’t help. He prompts the client to dig deeper if he doubts a particular candidate. He advises candidates on their exact status during a search—no ‘playing’ people, ever. If the news is bad, he gives it directly but with compassion. He is one of the ‘honest recruiters’ I described here.

He does what he says he is going to do

This alone separates Graham from most other recruiters: if he says he will call you back, he does. If he tells you that you are on his shortlist, you are. If he tells you that he will keep you in mind for a specific role, he will, and you can expect a call, even if it is four months later.

He listens

Again, so many recruiters can learn from this: Graham asks many questions, digs, hears and is purposely ‘slow to understand’. He does not make assumptions. As a result, he inevitably develops a better search brief with the client than anyone else. He always gets to the core reason a candidate is looking to move jobs, which every good recruiter knows is often not the reason they initially give. He listens to his colleagues, whether they are juniors or experienced. He seeks to understand their point of view. He is an active listener, giving his full attention at all times. It is remarkable the positive effect that has on people

He has an elephant-like memory

If he had interviewed you as an accounts clerk 20 years ago, Graham would have remembered not only you but also your company, your salary, and the person you reported to. There is a good chance he would remember your family, too. Seriously. Sit in a restaurant with Graham, and he will nod to and shake hands with every second person, not only because of his longevity as a recruiter or the sheer number of people he has helped but also because he remembers everybody and has never burned anyone in business. He has no enemies that I could imagine. None. I have never heard anyone ever say anything derogatory about him. Not even a hint or innuendo.

He is the embodiment of PMA

PMA stands for ‘positive mental attitude’. Graham believes and behaves like good things will happen and works hard to ensure they do. I believe so much in this trait. To Graham, his candidates will get the job, which makes them think they will and, as a result, they usually do.

He makes you feel special

Graham makes you feel special without even knowing or trying. He is interested in you. You are his focus when you are talking to him. He remembers your spouse’s name and your kids’ names. He asks how they are, and you can tell he is interested. He sends handwritten thank you notes, and he calls on your birthday. He cries when a friend is having a tough time or is seriously ill. What a great man.

Don’t get me wrong; the man is not perfect. He endlessly talks about the Welsh rugby team of the 1970s (he is Welsh). He is not the quickest on the technology uptake, and he just smiles and pours another glass when I talk about branding on social media.

But he is the best hardcore recruiter I have ever worked with or against, and he has made an immeasurable contribution to countless lives  – and our profession.

The truth is that Graham has inspired me for decades, and I know he has inspired many others because so many have told me so.

I am so looking forward to our lunch.

The banter will be predictable. The Shiraz will be inevitable

But I will leave with a spring in my step and gratitude in my heart.

*******************************************************

Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

These books have now sold over 20,000 copies.

Much of what I wrote about recruiting skills and recruiting leadership was developed from my time working with Graham Whelan

The lessons are timeless I believe. Pick up your copies here

                                                     The Savage Truth.                                                                      Recruit. The Savage Way