There’s a lot of great recruiters out there — and at least an equal number who aren’t worth a second of your time. The best staffing professionals share a number of common qualities that make them stand out from the crowd. It’s important to know what to look for in a recruiter, so you don’t inadvertently choose someone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart.

5 Qualities to Look For in a Recruiter

Searching for a new staffing partner? Make sure they embody the following five characteristics:

1. Patience: A great recruiter won’t choose just anyone to fill your open positions — they’ll keep looking until they find the right person. Seek a recruiter who takes the time to understand both your business and your hiring needs and truly cares about the impact staffing has on your organization.
2. Straightforward: Choose a staffing partner who’s not afraid to stand up to you when your expectations are a bit unrealistic. It’s not always easy to tell a client they’re after a type of person who doesn’t exist or who is way out of their league, so opt for someone with the backbone to give it to you straight.
3. Honesty: Recruiting is a largely commission-based business and unfortunately there are some bad apples out there who are only looking to turn a profit. Look for a recruiter who is willing to tell you about both the positives and negatives of their candidates. These people truly care about your company and want to be your partner for the long-term.
4. Great Listener: The best recruiters take the time to listen to the needs of both their clients and candidates. They’ll never try to place a candidate in a company they know they’re not interested in or recommend a candidate who doesn’t represent the needs of their client, because they asked questions and paid attention. It may take longer for them to find the right match, but it’ll be worth the wait.
5. Tenure: It can be difficult to find lasting success as a recruiter. Seek a seasoned professional who’s been in the business for awhile, as only those with an outstanding reputation are able to survive in this industry. Recruiters who take advantage of their clients don’t last, but those who treat them with respect and deliver on their promises prevail.

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