I’ve been a recruiter at Profiles for over 10 years, helping Creative, Marketing, Web and IT professionals find jobs at leading organizations in the Mid-Atlantic. I actually stumbled into being a specialized Marketing Recruiter by accident, but it has been a rewarding career. I have the ability to create great outcomes; this is a job where I have the power to impact other people’s careers and help them land the job of their dreams.
It takes a unique personality to succeed as a Recruiter, so if you have thought about entering the Digital Staffing Industry as a career, consider if you have these skills:
1. Communication Skills
This is really a must-have. You must be able to speak with conviction when talking with your clients and candidates. You must be comfortable pitching jobs to strangers over the phone; and your ability to create relationships with candidates in the market is crucial.
Good recruiters are able to read people quickly and efficiently. They are pleasant to talk with, can create a conversation flow, and put people at ease when talking with them. A good recruiter communicates– back and forth – and tries to find the middle ground when negotiating expectations.
2. Positive Outlook
Are you happy by nature? Are you a “glass is half full” kind of person? A positive attitude is required to get you through the dark days, when neither client nor candidate seems to be playing along. You cannot be afraid of rejection. Keep in mind, a good recruiter builds relationships – and doesn’t burn bridges. A colleague once told me “You catch more bees with honey”.
3. Listening Skills
A good recruiter has the ability to listen and to empathize when necessary. You must understand the needs of your client, and the motivation of the candidate, and work to make the puzzle pieces fall into play. You are the liaison between the client and prospective candidates, working to make the perfect match.
4. Tough Skin
Recruiters do need to be somewhat tough-skinned. There are a peaks and valleys in any typical day, so the ability to re-focus is critical. Rolling with the punches is ideal. It is a competitive work environment where the rewards make it all worth it.
5. Flexibility
Recruiters must be flexible –the standard 9 to 5 work day isn’t typical for the digital staffing industry; often you may be interviewing people morning, noon, or night. Though certainly not as important, sometimes it can feel you’re a Doctor on call; when a job is hot you have to make things happen and keep the opportunity open for candidates and clients.
There is something extremely rewarding about getting paid to do a job where everyone is grateful, and everyone is excited with the outcome. At the end of the day, it’s rewarding to know that what I do on a daily basis positively impacts someone’s career as well as the advancement of today’s brands and digital trends.
Perhaps you are thinking of transitioning into a new career. If you have a background in digital and thrive on a rewarding bonus structure then contact us to learn more about a creative and marketing recruiting position in Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC. All specialized recruiters here at Profiles have experienced backgrounds in Creative, Marketing, Web or IT.
Now that you have the behind the scene tour of a specialized marketing recruiter, continue to learn more about the positions we staff.
About Profiles
Established in 1998, Profiles is the leading Digital Recruitment Agency. Concentrating exclusively in Creative, Digital Marketing, and Information Technology, Profiles’ expertise is where Marketing meets IT. Our experienced team, executive leadership, and leading Talent contractors are among the industry’s best. Located in the Mid-Atlantic, Profiles recruits nationally to supply the best corporations with top talent.
Author Name – Nancy DiSciullo
Title – Senior Account Manager
Location – Washington, DC
Twitter – @ProfilesNancy
Byline – Nancy has been in the recruitment industry for over 10 years placing creative, marketing and communication professionals, both in the traditional and digital space.
