We’ve all been there, sat staring aimlessly at the computer screen, clock watching, taking a sneaky glance at Facebook or Twitter. There’s nothing worse than reaching a point of the day when we feel like time has stopped. We know we have deadlines to reach, goals to achieve but sometimes we find ourselves drifting off into our own world and loosing motivation.

It can be difficult to switch back onto the task in hand and regain focus, but with these handy tips you’ll be back on track in no time!

Stay hydrated
Step away from the energy drinks! Water is a great way of hydrating the body and keeping you focused throughout the day. Whilst energy drinks may give you a quick boost they don’t last long, water on the other hand can help combat headaches and tiredness leaving you feeling fresh and revitalised.

Step away from the screen
Staring at a computer screen for to long can cause you to loose focus in addition to inducing headaches and eyestrain. Taking a 5-minute break away from the screen to make a drink or stretch your legs gives you time to clear your head. When required a short break can help you regain focus and start afresh.

Make lists
If you’ve got a particularly busy day or know you’ve got deadlines that need completing, make a list and break down what needs to be done to achieve the larger goal. Prioritise key tasks for the times you are most productive and work your way through. Although a very simple method, keeping a job list can be an effective way of staying on track.

Set personal targets
Working towards the same target each month can become a bit tedious and eventually impact your motivation to keep progressing. Set yourself a personal goal or target to keep you focused. So say your monthly target is 15 candidates per month and you achieve this every time, think of something you want. Whether it’s a holiday, new pair of shoes or just a well-earned day off at the end of the month, make that your goal. A personal goal will help keep you focused and motivated.

Drop in guaranteed calls
A run of difficult gatekeepers or frustrating calls can test the motivation of the most seasoned recruitment professionals.During spells you are struggling to get through to decision makers or candidates pick up the phone to a guaranteed conversation. Check in with a client or update a potential candidate (even if the news, is no news yet). A good conversation can pick you back up ready for the next set of calls.

Do you have any tips that help keep you motivated? If you do get involved using the comment box below or get involved via the HRS social profiles.

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We’ve all been there, a blissful few days, maybe a week or two of R&R, some quiet time to enjoy as we please where we set off to pastures new or recharge the batteries at home. But then reality bites and all too soon it’s the night before your due back in the office and the dreaded alarm has been set.

Many of us find the transition from holiday mode to work mode a slow one but with this handy checklist you should be back on top form in no time!

Reset your body clock
Have a few early nights before going back, not something everyone likes to hear but trust me it works! If you’re due back to work on the Monday try and have an early night the Saturday and Sunday. It’s a great way to get your sleeping pattern back to normal and get your body clock back into a routine.

Don’t skip breakfast
Get up and have breakfast. It’s not just something your mum used to say, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day! It kicks starts your metabolism, a good breakfast should keep you full and focused until lunchtime.

Arrive early
By coming in a bit earlier you have a chance to sort emails, voicemails and any complete any other admin tasks that could get in the way of sales time. Doing all of this before the workday begins allows you to get on and speak to clients and candidates.

Check in
Agreed to call / email a client or candidate on your return? Make sure you check in as planned. Even if its just a quick call or bulk email to remind everyone you are back and will catch up in more detail soon.

Got any handy tips that you find useful when going back to work? (I always find bringing holiday sweets in helps; especially if the weather hasn’t been so kind to your colleagues). If you have let us know, leave a comment or get involved through the HRS social media links below.

The post Getting back into Work Mode, a Post Holiday Checklist appeared first on Recruitment Software for Recruitment Professionals | HRS.

4 qualities top recruitment professionals share

Working in the recruitment and staffing sector for over 15 years, I’ve had my fair share of experience with all manner of recruiters. Through my own experience and running a team I have got to know what qualities help to make up a great recruiter.

In my experience all great professional recruiters are:

Self-starters / motivated

Even with regular training and development plans working in recruitment can sometimes feel like a lonely role. In order to succeed it is important recruiters are self-starters.

Expected to deliver motivation will be tested during leaner times, the ability to power through difficult spells separates those who are up to the challenge and those that aren’t. A great recruiter will lead by example, motivating members of the team, contributing to the overall success of the business.

Organised

Top recruiters are both prepared and organised, they see admin as a necessary part of their job but not something that gets in the way of sales time.

A top recruiter will often be in the office outside of traditional working hours; completing client and candidate research, prepping call lists and scheduling social marketing activity.

Taking care of recurring tasks before the day starts and creating a semi-structured plan enables them to get on and speak to clients and candidates.

Great communicator and networkers

Clear and open communication is the bedrock of professional recruitment. Whether written or spoken, online or offline, it is essential recruiters can communicate effectively.

Successful recruiters are networking and communication masters, able to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, clients and candidates.

Embrace technology

Technology has enabled recruitment professionals to work more efficiently, enabling more accurate profiling in addition to increasing the number of communication channels.

From the print based job adverts to the advent of online job boards and social networks, recruiters have historically been quick to adapt. With the pace at which digital technologies are currently advancing it is more important than ever that recruiters stay closely aligned with tech developments.
Above are just a few of the qualities I believe help make up a top recruitment professional. What other qualities do you think are required? Get involved using the comment box and social media links below.

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When it comes to recruitment you have to take the good with the bad and one of the biggest challenges you will face is a difficult client. Often clients issues boil down to a lack of or miscommunication, in this blog I share my top tips for dealing with client problems.

Remain calm and professional
One of our natural instincts when being confronted is to put our guard up and be defensive. Don’t let feelings get in the way, don’t be rude, shout or get upset. Stay calm and talk in a polite but assertive tone.

Listen and get specific
Rather than cut across the client and jump in with theories and suggestions actually listen to what they have to say. Put yourself in their shoes and take on board their situation. The more information you have the more likely you are to resolve the situation.

If a client calls and uses broad phrases like ‘the candidate isn’t right for the company’, ask for specifics. In what way was the candidate not right for the company? What characteristics are required to fit in at the organistaion? Focusing on specifics will help you get to the root of the issue quickly, allowing you to come up with a suitable resolution.

Address next steps and stick to them
Once the problem has been addressed walk the client through the next steps. Make it clear what is going to happen and who is responsible for specific actions. It is good practice to have this information recorded through email, follow up conversations with a quick email summarising actions.

There’s nothing more annoying than being told someone will call you back for no one to call. When a promising to call a client set a reminder in your calendar, even if it’s just a courtesy call providing a quick update call can go along way in securing repeat business.

The route of most clients’ issues are usually the result of a lack of communication, or miscommunication. When dealing with and resolving client issues stick to the list; remain professional, listen and get specific, and address what’s going to happen next. As the old saying goes the customer is always right.

The post Tips for handling a difficult client | Recruitment Tips appeared first on Recruitment Software for Recruitment Professionals | HRS.