Posted by Jonathan Kidder on May 20, 2021January 27, 2023

Talent sourcing is a skill that sets apart the average from the exceptional. As a recruiter or sourcer, it’s crucial to not only please your employer but also maintain positive relationships with colleagues and candidates. The following skills are key traits that successful recruiters possess, allowing them to achieve long-term success.

1. Marketing skills

Today’s hiring boom in combination with competing recruiters makes it vital to have excellent marketing skills. Develop strategies that will not only attract candidates to a position but entice them to apply.

2. Communication & Relationship skills

Exceptional communication skills are a must for recruiters. As the liaison between the client and applicant, it’s up to you to make a first great impression with both, as well as understanding what the client needs and attracting the best applicants.

3. Time management skills

There are only so many hours in a workday and enjoying a healthy work-life balance is important to your overall well-being. So, being able to effectively manage your time and projects will allow you to stay organized and be successful while also accommodating clients and candidates in varying time zones. enjoying a healthy work-life balance.

4. Tenacity and Adaptability

With market demands constantly changing, adaptability is a must to stay ahead of the game. Whether learning new technology or catering to a demanding client, goals and priorities can change daily. Then, there will be periods when you encounter rejections and set-backs, which can take a toll on your enthusiasm. Learning from the negative aspects will help you bounce back and become an even better talent sourcer.

5. Teamwork skills

Even though many recruiter tasks are solo, it takes an entire team to find the best employees and keep companies happy.

6. Patience

Patience is the skill that will help you complete those mundane tasks and remain courteous to long-winded clients and applicants. It will allow you to remain calm when appointments are missed or while awaiting return calls. Keeping your cool and continuing to be productive in other ways is key.

7. Listening skills

Being able to truly listen to client requests and hear the detailed feedback from applicants is necessary for finding the perfect fit.

8. Attention to detail

Recruiters juggle a lot, but when it comes to recalling specifics about clients, open positions, and important details on potential applicants is essential. Otherwise, being reckless or confusing these facts could be detrimental.

9. Self-Confidence

Without a doubt, you’ll eventually find yourself marketing and hiring for a position that you’re not familiar with. However, having the assurance to ask a client the right questions and determination to learn about the role so you can hire the best candidate is possible with self-confidence.

10. Technical skills

Being knowledgeable about basic IT skills can help you both hire for IT-related positions as well as make use of an array of recruiting software tools that will streamline a multitude of tasks, saving you time and setting you up for success.

11. Being target-driven

Companies often rely on recruiters to hire for multiple positions within a certain timeframe. Being target-driven can aid in your success to meet those goals.

Finally, it’s important that you always have a willingness to learn. New businesses and advanced technology are always being created which will likely impact your future. A commitment to continuing education is just as necessary for the veteran as it is for the novice to grow professionally.

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Jonathan Kidder

With more than 12 years of recruitment experience, Jonathan has helped startups and small businesses find the talent they need. He runs the blog WizardSourcer, which explores the latest trends in talent sourcing, provides reviews of recruitment tools, and features interviews with prominent figures in the industry.