In order to be a top recruiting professional right now you have to have a solid work ethic and sound technique.  I’ve found that during good economic times these two things will make you lots of placements and during tough economic times they will keep you alive.  Right now New Jersey recruiters are experiencing the toughest job market we’ve see in over a decade and no one knows exactly when it’s going to get better.  So if it’s not going to improve any time soon – you must! Keep reading and see what some of New Jersey’s top recruiting professionals are doing to weather the storm.

Seven Secrets to Recruiting Success

 1. Sell more!  Most recruiters spend way too much time behind their desks and not enough time in front of their customers.  Getting in front of your customers will help you build more relationships and get a leg up on your competition.  Make sure that you are not only selling them on your capabilities but you are selling every one of you candidates as well.  Too often we click and submit our candidates and this strategy won’t pay you well in a tough job market.

2. Get back to the basics.  Many of us have fallen pray to a post and coast type strategy where we post the job and wait for candidates to submit their resumes.  This is a great time to push your self out of your comfort zone and start direct sourcing or better yet asking for referrals once again.  The best recruiters find the best candidates and in order to survive you must submit top talent faster than your competition.

3. Expand your Niche.  If you are a specialized recruiter this is a great time to expand your business’s practice areas.  If you have been recruiting in IT for the past few years now would be a good time to expand in to engineering or maybe even go as far as scientific.  Now is also a good time to expand your geographic footprint.  If you only recruit locally, consider servicing a few neighboring states.

4. Find a mentor.  If you haven’t already, swallow your pride and ask for help from a seasoned recruiting professional.  Right now, everyone is struggling with something so don’t think you’re alone.  Having someone give you sound advice to help you through these challenging times is invaluable and it might just save your career.

5. Bring more value.  Most of the head hunters and recruiters I encounter do nothing more then fill requirements for their customers.  Most of your clients are hurting right now and could use your help or advice on topics such as sourcing, retention, diversity and outplacement.  Bring more value and you will build better relationships and create the edge needed to get their next job order.

6. Invest in you professional development.  Now is a great time to go back to school, maybe pick up a new certification or just attend an industry seminar.  To be a top performer you have to sharpen the saw every now and again.  The recruiting industry in littered with coaches, trainers and places to get the tools you need to build your book – make sure you use them.

7. Set goals for yourself and your business.  I know this might sound a little old fashion but you would be amazed at how many people fail to execute this fairly simple task.  Over then past 8 months or so the Job market in New Jersey has changed significantly throwing many of us into a tailspin.  Now is a perfect time to sit down reorganize and set goals for yourself and your business.  It’s is also important to note that these goals should be specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and have a timetable.

Before you throw in the towel or decide to settle for average results consider this advice from New Jersey’s top recruiters.

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