The staffing and recruitment industry acts as the engine of employment, powering the connection between organizations seeking talent and individuals seeking careers. Traditionally, recruiters were expected to make their first placement within a set time frame. Given the sparser job market brought on by recent global conditions, it’s time to question the validity of these long-standing expectations. This blog delves into the new norms of recruitment timeframes and considers how the shake-up in the world of work has changed the industry’s benchmarks.
Understanding the Staffing and Recruitment Industry
Staffing and recruitment, at its core, is about matching the right candidate with the right job. Staffing and recruitment professionals gauge, guide, and transition talent into suitable roles. The newcomer’s journey into this field can be challenging. They are expected to learn a variety of skills quickly, such as client management, candidate assessment, and of course, the ability to tolerate repeated rejection. Additionally, it is imperative to become immersed in their chosen vertical, exploring the intricacies that exist in that space.
Traditional Placement Expectations
In the past, a recruiter notching their first placement within a few weeks, to a couple of months was considered standard. Naturally, factors such as industry demand, candidate availability and team resources played pivotal roles in influencing this timeframe. The stories of industry veterans serve as anecdotal benchmarks, but how relevant are they today? In a recent LinkedIn poll, conducted by RGC Co-Owner Julie Robinson, traditional expectations shone through. 60% of respondents expect a new hire to make a placement in the first three months. Another 13% took it a step further, expecting a close in just 6 weeks. 21% give the grace of six months, and the remaining 6% selected ‘other’. It seems traditional tolerance levels may be firmly held in the recruitment sphere.
The Modern Job Market Landscape
Why might our tolerance need to adapt? Prevailing economic shifts have affected job prospects, while at the same time, technology has ushered in a new era of recruitment methods. Current realities require the re-evaluation of old benchmarks. A sparser job market means a more competitive environment, amplifying the challenge for new recruiters. But, if we don’t look solely at placements, how do we measure success? Engaging new team members in developed training plans aligned with the company’s established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is a good start. Ensuring the KPIs result in actual placements (and therefore cash flow) is the next.
Strategies for Success in the Current Climate
If you are new to the industry, fear not. Today, the most successful recruiters are those who emphasize continuous skill development and collection of industry knowledge. Networking, both in-person and online, remains indispensable for effective recruiting. Skills such as resilience and adaptability have transformed from beneficial to essential for a recruiter’s survival. Effective mentorship, ongoing feedback, and access to advanced recruitment software are also critical for newcomers.
Recruitment timetables have evolved, but persistence, innovation, and adaptability remain the treasured qualities of successful staffing professionals. With a review of expectations, informed by the current realities of a changed market, new recruiters and their mentors can set realistic, achievable targets.
If you are looking for a new opportunity, top talent or strategic guidance in staffing and recruitment; please reach out to one of our team members here at Raymond George Consultancy. We’d love to connect & see how our services can help, it’s what we do!
