What's more important than finding a recruiter?

✅ It's that you find  A "People Smart" recruiter

Here's how you'll know you've found one, and I really hope you come across at least one of these folks in your job search to truly appreciate the Anatomy of "People Smart" Recruiters!

1. Extending Charitable Assumptions

One of the first things you'll notice with a "people smart" recruiter is their empathetic approach to gaps in your resume/career history.They understand that life happens and circumstances change. They’ll acknowledge challenges like current job market or personal situations that might have caused these gaps.

For instance, rather than saying, “Why do you have a six-month gap?” they might ask, “It’s been a tough market recently—how have you been navigating it?” This approach sets a positive tone and makes the candidate feel understood and respected right from the start.

2. Creating Human Connections

"People smart" recruiters excel at fostering a genuine connection and conversations feel less like interviews and more like engaging, thoughtful discussions. They aim to understand your personality, ambitions, and your fit with the company culture, not just the specific role i.e. see beyond the resume.
You’ll walk away feeling like you’ve had a meaningful conversation rather than a rigid examination. Their questions will flow naturally, often leading to deeper insights about your career aspirations and how you might align with the company’s goals.

For example, instead of sticking strictly to standard questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” they might ask, “What projects or goals are you most passionate about achieving in the next few years?”

3. Keen Observational Skills

During the conversation, they will pick up on subtle cues to tailor their questions/discussion points. This adaptability makes the interaction feel personalized and leaves you with a sense that they are genuinely interested in your professional journey.

For instance, if you mention a side project that you’re passionate about, they might delve deeper: “Tell me more about this project and what skills you developed through it.” This shows they recognize and value all aspects of your experience, not just those directly linked to the job description.

4. Seeking a Win-Win

Their goal isn’t solely to fill that role but to ensure you find a role where you can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the organization. They are open to exploring various possibilities within the company or even leveraging their network to help you find the right fit elsewhere.

For instance, if it becomes apparent that you’re not a fit for that specific role, they might say, “While this role might not be the perfect match, I believe your skills could be a great fit for this other opportunity we have. Would you be interested in exploring this further?”

This proactivity can significantly enhance your job search experience.hashtag

Authors
Gurleen Dhillon

Canada Career Conversations addresses gaps in career opportunities, stemming from its founder's unconventional entry into talent analytics, her experience at Deloitte, and other major firms. The platform offers career insights, recruitment news, and a podcast featuring industry leaders, advocating for self-defined career paths.

Discussion

Please log in to post comments.

Login