I had the opportunity to interview Dean Da Costa regarding his latest book titled: The Book of Recruiting; Da Costa Style. His book is a compilation of his thoughts, tips, tricks, and advice as it relates to staffing and Sourcing. Dean has an extensive background in Talent Sourcing and it’s a real honor to have the chance to sit down and interview him on his latest book.
1. What encouraged you to write a book about recruiting?
When I got my first staffing job, I was shown a desk and computer and told to just start recruiting. No training, no nothing. I was lucky in that my military training set me up to do the things needed to succeed. However, a lot of others are not so lucky. I decided I wanted to write something that would help those who get shown a desk and get no training. I also wanted to set an example for my kids that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. You can succeed in life if you just stay focused and determined.
2. What does “Da Costa Style” mean to you?
It means using the methods and thought processes that I have used to succeed. Some of which are different than the norms. Some of which was a by-product of my military training. It’s a combination of setting routines and following up on goals.
3. What do you highlight in the book? Any themes that stand out?
I guess remembering to learn the basics, and after that to create or follow a process and method that will allow you to succeed. I talk about several of my philosophies in the book, such as BTOS, Looklisology, HMCS, and others.
4. Your book discusses how to source and hire veterans. Being a veteran yourself, how can Sourcers better recruit veterans?
The easiest way to source and recruit veterans is to understand them. Actually, take the time to learn about their past experience and support them throughout their journey.
5. What has impacted your Talent Sourcing career the most?
My military background and the discipline, a can-do attitude, and breaking through any & all obstacles — always finding a way.
6. Who has been your mentor in your career?
Not sure I really have a mentor so much as a lot of friends who have been doing it a long time and we share, help, and bounce ideas all the time off each other. Shally, Steve, Derek, Pete and others that I did a shout-out in the book too. I have been lucky to glean words of wisdom from a lot of people over the years. Colin Powell, Norman Schwartzkoff, Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, and many others.
7. Honestly, how do you stay up to date on all the new sourcing technologies out there?
LOL, I spend time looking, I have created several google searches to look, I have hundreds of RSS feeds from places that talk about tools. Keep researching in your free time. Also, a good place to start is to read from talent sourcing blogs like SourceCon, WizardSourcer, Search Authority, & RecruitingBlogs.
8. Is there any bonus material listed in the book?
Yes, at the end of the book I’ve listed out all my top Talent Sourcing tools. Please enjoy!!
9. Anything else you would like to talk about?
Just that I am here to help anyone who needs it, no one should feel they are on their own in our industry — scratch that — in our “sourcing family.”
You can purchase Dean Da Costa’s book (here)
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