The Uncomfortable Truth About Building a Recruitment Career
Everyone loves talking about work-life balance these days. But here’s the thing: in recruitment, like many high-reward professions, the path to success isn’t always balanced, especially at the start.
I’ve watched countless recruiters come and go over the years, and I’ve noticed something interesting: the most successful ones all share a similar origin story. They committed to what I call the 7-7-7-7 rule: working seven days a week, from 7 AM to 7 PM, for at least seven stretches per year. It’s not forever, but it’s necessary.
Think of building a recruitment career like constructing a house. You can’t skip the foundation and expect the walls to stand. Those intense early years are your foundation.
The industry itself offers different paths, like restaurants in a city. You’ve got your high-volume corporate “chop shops” (think McDonald’s of recruitment), boutique firms (the michelin-star establishments), and everything in between. Each has its place, and each demands different things from you.
Your career progression follows a natural rhythm:
- Years 0-2: You’re learning to walk. Focus on the basics, stumble often, get back up.
- Years 2-5: You’re developing your style, building your book of business.
- Years 5+: You’re choosing between being a master chef or running the restaurant.
The compensation models mirror this progression. Start with a safe base salary, or bet on yourself with a draw model. It’s like choosing between a salary and opening your own business - higher risk, higher reward.
What separates the successful from the rest? Three things: focus (saying no to distractions), energy (maintaining stamina), and momentum (consistent activity). Success in recruitment isn’t about working smarter versus harder - it’s about working smarter AND harder, especially at the start.
Before making any major career moves, especially once you’re billing $250k+, treat it like a chess game. Consider every piece on the board: your current production, personal circumstances, market conditions, and support structure at the new opportunity.
Remember: The path to success in recruitment isn’t about finding shortcuts. It’s about embracing the intensity required to build something substantial.