What if I asked you to solve an equation but only wrote down one number on a piece of paper? You'd probably ask where the rest of the equation was, wouldn't you? One number on its own doesn't make sense.
I've always been a curious person. When I was growing up, I asked a lot of questions as I wanted to know about everything. I've always been fascinated about different things and different people. I love to know what's going on in the world around me and I apply this fascination and thirst for knowledge to my job as a recruiter. You see, like many jobs, recruitment is about gathering information, and using that information to solve problems. I need the full equation in order to solve it.
When I'm getting to know you as a job applicant or potential candidate it's important to find out as much as I can. I obviously need to learn about your past work experience, but more importantly, I want to know about you and your key motivators in your job search. People change over time and so do your needs in terms of your career. What you want from your next job will be different to what you wanted five or ten years ago. The best way I can provide great service is to get the whole picture, so I know exactly what you’re looking for. This means engaging with you, asking the right questions and listening to you. It’s not just about what you say to me, but also the way in which you say it. Body language and tone are crucial to finding out how you really feel.
Similarly, when I'm speaking with clients about a job brief, it is important to know everything from A to Z. They might not see having somewhere to store your bike in the building or knowing where the nearest supermarket or gym is as vital information, but it could be important to you. It's always better to ask too many questions than not enough. It’s essential that I have all relevant information, especially in a highly competitive market. I want to be in the best position to provide you with a solution.
Don’t think of me and my fellow recruiters as being nosy. Our curiosity stems from wanting to provide the best service possible and find you the right role. My peers have taught me the importance of tailoring our service to the individuals we are working with. What fits best for one client or candidate might not work at all for another. I couldn’t agree more with this, as everybody has different preferences and that is why it is crucial for us to be thorough when gathering information. After all, how else can we solve a problem if we only have half of the equation?
