My Recruitment Journey: My Odyssey of Talent, Trials, and Triumphs

When I first stepped into the world of recruitment nearly 10 years ago, I had no idea how this journey would shape my career and life. It all began with a conversation with Jackie Burns, CPHR , at the Hays Vancouver office. Little did I know that this encounter would lead to a career that has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

I’ve met some incredible professionals along the way and have made some lifelong friends while working in recruitment ( Megan Simpson Dan Wales Stephen Borer Shawna Wagner, MEDes Nick P. to name just a few. Also, all of them are recruitment and HR professionals you should connect with).

Allow me to share some pivotal moments, lessons learned, and the evolution of recruitment over these years.

Early Days in Recruitment:

I wasn’t a fresh graduate. I came to the job with 7 years of experience in management roles in logistics and sales. I was eager but naive. I wanted to help people. I quickly realized that recruitment was more than just matching resumes to job descriptions.

It was about understanding people – their aspirations, strengths, and what truly motivated them. Those early days were marked by long hours and countless rejections, but they taught me the value of resilience and determination. My educational background in Psychology certainly helped in these early days!

Evolving Role and Industry Trends:

The recruitment landscape has transformed significantly since my humble beginnings. In the early 2000s, it was all about newspaper ads and phone calls. I’ve heard many “experienced” recruiters tell me all about the “good old days” (cough* Stephen Borer).

Today, technology plays a pivotal role, from AI-driven candidate screening to video interviews. Staying up to date with these trends has been crucial to staying competitive.

Lessons from Successes and Failures:

One of my most memorable successes involved matching a talented but overlooked candidate with an emerging construction design firm that gave him the opportunity to make an impression and continue to shine, through a little bit of mentorship and an open mind. I’m proud to say he is still employed there 3 years later.

Conversely, I've made my fair share of mistakes, from misjudging cultural fits to rushing through interviews. These experiences underscored the importance of thorough research and careful assessment.

Building Strong Relationships:

Recruitment is a people-centric industry, and relationships matter. Over the years, I've learned that genuine connections with candidates and clients are key to success. Listening actively, offering guidance, and maintaining trust have been pivotal in building lasting partnerships.

Navigating Industry Challenges:

From navigating talent shortages to promoting diversity and inclusion, the challenges in recruitment are real. Overcoming them requires adaptability and creativity. Embracing innovative sourcing methods and promoting a diverse candidate pool has been both a challenge and a fulfilling endeavor.

Ethical Considerations in Recruitment:

The ethical dimension of recruitment cannot be understated. Every decision I make has an impact on someone's life and career. Treating all candidates with fairness, respect, and integrity has been a non-negotiable principle throughout my journey.

Balancing Work and Life:

Recruitment can be all-consuming, but maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital. Over time, I've learned to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and take breaks to recharge. This balance has not only preserved my sanity but also improved my performance.

The Future of Recruitment:

As I look ahead, I see recruitment becoming increasingly automated and data-driven. However, the human touch will remain irreplaceable. The industry may change, but the core principles of understanding people and building relationships will endure. This topic could be a post in itself!

My odyssey in recruitment has been a rollercoaster of experiences, from moments of doubt to immense pride in helping people find their dream jobs. If I were to distill all my learnings into one piece of advice, it would be this:

Never lose sight of the people behind the resumes. They are the heart and soul of this industry, and their stories are what make it all worthwhile.

Are you a recruiter? What has your journey been like? I’d love to hear about it!

If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to reach out on LinkedIn. I look forward to hearing your stories and insights!