The Art of Being Deliberately Different in Recruitment
Most recruiters sound exactly the same. And that’s precisely why they fail.
Think about it: How many times have you received that LinkedIn message that starts with “I hope this finds you well” or “I came across your impressive profile”? It’s like everyone’s reading from the same worn-out script, and guess what? Your prospects are reading right through it.
Here’s the thing about recruitment - it’s a lot like jazz music. Yes, there are fundamental notes and structures you need to know, but the magic happens when you know exactly when to break from the sheet music. I call this “deliberate differentiation.”
Take pattern interruption. Instead of launching into the usual recruiter spiel, try asking “Can you hear me okay?” on your next call. It sounds simple, maybe even silly, but it works. Why? Because it breaks the mental defense barrier your prospect has already built up against recruiter calls. It makes you human.
But being different isn’t just about clever opening lines. It’s about fundamentally rethinking how we approach every aspect of recruitment. Block your time in 90-minute focused segments instead of the typical hour. Lead conversations with your best candidate instead of a job order. Track your metrics not just to measure success, but to predict where the market is heading.
The really interesting part? When you start breaking these patterns, you discover something fascinating about recruitment: It’s not actually about industry expertise. It’s about understanding people and culture. The best recruiters I know aren’t industry experts - they’re experts at understanding how people and organizations fit together.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Success in recruitment isn’t about doing 100 different things. It’s about doing a handful of things differently:
- Structure your conversations around culture and fit first, specifications second
- Turn every recruiting call into a business development opportunity
- Track your numbers like they’re telling you a story (because they are)
- Build relationships that last longer than your current search
Most importantly, stop trying to sound like a recruiter. Sound like yourself. The market doesn’t need another standard recruiter. It needs someone who’s willing to break the pattern.
Remember: In a world where everyone zigs, the real opportunities come from learning when to zag.