When creating a business strategy in your recruiting business, the quality of the tasks you take on is just as important as the quantity of time spent on them.  Let’s take a look at some issues of quality facing recruiters who want to improve their effectiveness:

Passive Candidates

Recruiting passive candidates is a core part of most recruiters’ sourcing strategy; but oftentimes the quality of their passive candidate contacts may be overlooked.  Ask yourself the following before contacting a passive candidate:

1. Is the passive candidate really a good match for this job based on the information I already have?
2. Do I have a powerful pitch that will nudge the passive candidate towards leaving their current position?
3. Have I done my homework on the position for which I’m recruiting?

Client Cold Calls

While volume is important when doing sales calls, the quality of the sales leads is equally if not more important.  Recruiters who want to improve their effectiveness must ask themselves the following questions about the quality of their sales leads:

1. Are these potential clients in the business of hiring third-party recruiters?
2. Are these potential clients financially sound and willing to pay for my services?
3. What type of reputation do these potential clients have with other recruiters?

Networking and Professional Events

Attending professional and networking events offers independent recruiters the opportunity to meet potential clients and get to know other recruiters.  However, just attending any event won’t be enough to get the benefit.  Recruiters should ask the following questions about professional and networking events:

1. What do other independent recruiters say about this event?
2. Is it professionally organized and does it have a history of success?
3. What direct benefit will I receive from attending this event?