The Analog Revolution in Digital Recruiting
Everyone’s trying to automate recruiting these days. AI this, automation that. But here’s what’s funny: the best recruiters I know aren’t winning because of their tech stack. They’re winning because they’re doubling down on something unfashionable: human connection.
I call it the “Three-Headed Monster” approach. Phone calls, emails, and LinkedIn messages, working in harmony, every single day. No exceptions. It’s like a three-piece band – each instrument matters, but it’s the combination that creates the magic.
The phone is your lead vocalist. Three hours minimum, every day. Why? Because you can’t really know someone through carefully crafted messages and polished profiles. You need to hear the pause when you ask about their current role, the excitement when they talk about their ideal next move.
But here’s where most people get it wrong: they treat these activities like options instead of obligations. That’s why I’m a big believer in the Power List – a daily paper (yes, actual paper) list of 3-5 non-negotiable tasks. It’s your personal scoreboard. 4 tasks completed out of 5? That’s a 4-1 win. Keep track. Make it a game.
Think of it like professional athletes watching game tape. They don’t just play – they study their performance. Record your calls. Review your negotiations. It feels uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is where growth happens.
And mindset? That’s your secret weapon. We all have two voices in our head – I call them the “bitch voice” and the “boss voice.” The bitch voice tells you to take it easy, make excuses, play it safe. The boss voice? It reminds you of your capability, your vision, your potential. The trick isn’t eliminating the negative voice – it’s learning to respond to it with action.
Success in recruiting isn’t about finding the perfect tech stack or automation tool. It’s about showing up consistently, connecting authentically, and managing yourself professionally. Everything else is just noise.
Remember: The fundamentals aren’t always fun, but they’re always fundamental.