Recruiting is all about luck – or is it?

Often I have heard hiring leaders speak of luck in finding the new talent. As a recruiter and recruiting leader, I would slyly smile and agree.  But was it really luck?

Recruiting is hard, tedious, and defined by the “needle in the haystack” analogy. What people see is the “fun part” – shaking hands, meeting people, introducing amazing talent to leaders, and letting them believe it is just luck.

What leaders don’t often see or realize is to find the right talent the recruiter has:

• Sent hundreds of messages and done dozens of searches trying to find people that fit the requirements for the job.

• Talked to dozens of candidates to see if they have the background and experience needed for the role the leader has described.

• Invested time learning about the candidates and what would motivate them to make a change in their employment.

• Determined if the skills match and who to present to the leader.

• Helped the leader understand what isn’t on the resume and what they have learned through their interactions.

• Coached the leader on how to “land” the candidate.

• If a move is involved, helped the candidate (and often their family) make a decision to uproot their family – and helped them see their new home in the new location.

• Negotiated the salary representing both what the candidate needs and what the organization can give.

• Made the offer – and congratulated and celebrated with both the candidate and the leader.

• Made dozens of calls to candidates who weren’t selected, trying to let them down easy and leave them with a positive impression of the organization.

 So, no, it isn’t luck. If you’re a leader who has made one of these “lucky” hires, take a moment think about the work that went into making that luck happen and thank your recruiter!