My gynecologist’s little girl used to be in the same Brownie troop as my daughter.  As a matter of fact, our kids went to the same elementary school.  I would see him at various school events and often lunch with his wife with whom I worked in the PTA.  He was a great guy.  They were a great couple.  They were a great family. 

Interesting though, never once during the course of the years we covered the same social circles did I ever seek him out for professional advice outside of his office and never once did he offer me his professional advice outside of his office.  I understand, yes, given the private nature of our “professional” relationship; it is understandable that I wouldn’t randomly just call him up or stop him at the ice cream social to say, “Hey, I have been having an issue…” 

I also coached my daughter’s softball team with a guy from whom I bought my homeowner’s insurance. I made an appointment to talk to him about coverages, I didn’t yell across the ball field.  I had another friend who did the books for a couple of KFC franchises, I never once asked her do my books or to reveal any financial secrets of the local KFC’s.  I find it very interesting that I am opposed to asking personally professional advice in most incidences, just as most professionals would be personally adverse in offering me unsolicited suggestions.   I find this interesting because I am the first to offer anyone advice, whether they ask or not, on how to manage their career or search for a job.  Just as anyone who knows me and sometimes, they don’t know me, they just know of my involvement in the recruiting industry, there is a certain felt-freedom to ask me at any time, any place, to find them a job or help them find a job or give them advice on how to find a job or simply point them in the right direction.

Why is this?  I could be cheesy and say it is because I am a people-person or because my profession is naturally people-friendly. I think it can be attributed to how active I am in social media and to the risks I have personally taken.  But I think it speaks more to the profession as a whole, not of me personally.  And, truth be told, I am happy to give as much advice and direction as possible.  As are most, if not all of my friends in this industry.

Here’s what I know: a good recruiter is a great consultant.  Always.  A good recruiter is a wealth of knowledge.  A good recruiter will care for clients and/or hiring managers, as well as candidates.  A good recruiter will share honest feedback, as well as know when to back off and take guidance.  Truly, it comes down to communication and the ability to authentically connect and converse.  And, a good recruiter has to like people; there are those who don’t believe this, but I will always hold it to be true. 

And in this case, good is also right.  

by rayannethorn

Wings are on the right.  "Look daddy, teacher says everytime a bell rings..."