Working from “inspiration” vs. “routine”…By Darren Saul

We all know that when we are passionate about something time seems to fly, the task consumes us and we don’t feel like we have spent even one minute “working”. We enjoy every moment of what we are doing and very little can distract us from achieving our goal. Now you might argue that just being passionate about something doesn’t always mean that you are any good at it. This may be true, however I have generally noticed that people that "live and breath" what they love to do are usually very good at it!

This is a philosophy I am extremely passionate about and I would like to take it one step further. Practicing your chosen specialty day to day (the one you are very passionate about) still carries with it the risk of it developing into a mundane and lifeless routine if you let it. This is where the art comes in. Learning how to stay “inspired” wherever possible and not allowing the “routine” to overcome you is the secret to success and longevity in your chosen field.

How do you do this? Very simple! Be sensitive to your energy levels and motivation. If you don’t feel “inspired” take a break and do something you enjoy – grab a coffee, go for a walk or read something that does inspire you in some way. This does two things. Firstly, it removes you from your unproductive mindset and allows you to again think from a place of creativity. Secondly, if indulging in a totally different topic, a cross-fertilisation phenomenon can occur whereby thought in this seemingly non-related area generates inspirational parallels that can be adapted to your work (and vice versa). You must have noticed that most of your greatest ideas have “spontaneously” been born while focused on a totally different task. The art is being AWARE of your where you’re at mentally and harnessing the hidden potential laying dorment in your different mental states.

The general working environment also plays a major role. Some people are more productive in the morning while others are far more productive late at night. Certain individuals thrive in an open office environment while others find it very distracting and would be much more productive in a single office or even working from home. We are all different and thus respond differently to various stimuli. That is what makes us great! Why not exploit it instead of suppressing it.

Of course, this flexible working style can only be applied to its full potential if you are self-employed and might not be 100% suited to every situation. I am certain, however, that applying this style of thinking in some way to whatever you do will only enhance potential and manifest happiness and greatness at work!

A trusted advisor or just another supplier? Observations of an IT Recruiter…By Darren Saul

After having recruited in the IT space for many years I canhonestly say that I feel extremely fortunate to have developed very strong relationships with clients who really value my service and counsel. Trusting business relationships like these only further fuel my passion for the recruitment industry and inspire me to continue to strive to provide my clients with the best service possible.

Of course, relationships are always a two-way street and I would like to share some of the insights I have gained into best practice recruitment and the development of a strong client/recruiter relationship; the very life-blood of my profession.

“The Unspoken/Unwritten Word” - The art of recruitment is heavily based on subtleties, judgements and reading between the lines. Dealing with human beings and their various personalities can be a challenging process that requires much care, finesse, and most importantly face to face contact. I am always astounded when I hear of consultants presenting candidates they have not even met to clients they have not even seen. How can we possibly hope to make great matches in the dark? We are consultants and advisors - NOT gamblers! There are many subtle messages conveyed by an organisation’s premises, a client’s expression and a team of employees in motion. We need to perform our craft based on SENSORY information as well as verbal and written information.

“Information is King!” - The recruitment of a new team member is a very important step for any organisation. It can make or break team productivity. It can energize or strain morale. If it is handled properly it can be a very pleasant experience. Handled poorly, it will almost certainly bring pain and frustration. “Information is King!” We need to obtain detailed knowledge of our clients’ businesses and the people involved. We thirst for detailed job descriptions and extensive candidate feedback (verbal is preferred). A client must take the time to communicate this information and a recruiter must be willing to LISTEN - a skill that perhaps we sometimes heavily undervalue. Recruiters must be honest and forthcoming with their clients during every exchange. Only then can mutual trust and respect develop.

Hidden Treasure – The client/recruiter relationship can be feared or it can be embraced and cherished. Yes the recruitment of a company’s most valuable asset is no small accomplishment, however we can offer so much more! Insights into market trends, employees’ fears and expectations, market rates/salaries and availability of particular skills are very precious commodities. Many organisations are unaware of the untapped resource lying dormant in an under-developed client/recruiter relationship. We will be treasured and treated like royalty when we “stack the value!”

A nurtured and valued relationship equals a respected and successful partnership! Not just another supplier but a trusted advisor!

“Back to Basics” – The 3 things most recruiters don’t tell you…By Darren Saul

HAVE YOU BEEN SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IN VAIN? ARE YOU FRUSTRATED?

For the average job-hunter it’s even more important to differentiate him/herself from the rest to ensure 1st place at the finish line. The good news is that it’s not as difficult as it may sound!

Here are 3 simple time tested strategies to help you find what you have been looking for. Integrating these strategies to form the basis of your job-hunting campaign will stand you in good stead in ANY market.

Market yourself for success – This is perhaps the most important skill an individual can develop in these times of aggressive competition and fast-paced existence where mixed messages are many and leaving a favourable impression is paramount. Regardless of whether you are looking for a job, increasing your network of contacts or even making new friends – marketing yourself correctly in all situations is key! Preparation, Confidence, Timing and Activity are your tools. Preparation is half the battle already won. Knowing which outcome you want to achieve and keeping that top of mind during any interaction (face to face or other) will guide your behaviour in the favourable direction. Without Confidence the execution of any action is rendered merely mediocre and will not have the desired effect. Confidence also comes from preparation. Timing is imperative. The correct action at the wrong time is useless. Take a moment or two to qualify the situation and seize the opportunity if it feels right. Otherwise wait patiently with your “eyes open” for the next one. Activity breeds results. Opportunities will not come knocking at your door. You must continue to execute favourable actions based on preparation, with confidence and at the right time.

Swim against the recruitment tide – Don’t just apply to a job advertisement and wait. Don’t even apply and follow up with the consultant. Let’s change the game! – Let’s be consultative. At the very least, endeavour to have a phone conversation with the relevant consultant BEFORE you send your resume (a face to face meeting, even for a brief coffee would optimize your chances!). That way you will be able to qualify the opportunity at hand and sell your skill-set accordingly. You will be viewed as a potential candidate instead of just a statistic. The consultant will then ask YOU to send in your resume and he will act on it. This is one of the most basic sales principles. You may have a very short window in which to perform favourably so again – Preparation, Confidence and Timing are key! I have given this advice to many frustrated people over the years and the results have been astonishing!

Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you, and they will - Every time you enter into any form of interaction you are creating a relationship and leaving an impression. Let’s make it a positive one. Respect peoples’ different priorities, situations and treat them like you would like to be treated. It’s so simple yet so easy to forget. Ask them for their time. This in itself disarms and relaxes the recipient and immediately shifts the dynamic in your favour. ALWAYS deliver what you have promised. This means honouring an appointment (if something comes up inform the other person with ample notice if possible), arriving on time and following up on a request. The other person’s time is AS valuable as yours. We often tend to get caught up in our own lives and forget this simple truth. This is absolute common sense 101 and if you do unto others as you would like them to do unto you, you may be surprised at the outcome. People will tend to do the same, they will keep you top of mind and opportunities will present themselves in abundance!

Happy Hunting!!