11 Tips For Success From A Recruiter

It doesn't matter what your discipline or what you do, really successful people seem to have these traits.
I normally don't like lists because they are often so obvious.  But you would be surprised at how many people fail to adhere to these rules and traits.

Forgive the odd number, I could have combined some, but each is worth a comment.  I thought I would share them with you.  When successful people interview for jobs, they exude these qualities and communicate their leadership.

Do What You Say You Will

If you tell someone that you will do it over the weekend or do it tonight if you can, that becomes an obligation.  They will expect it done.  If you don’t deliver, you will get a reputation as being unreliable. If you say you will do something, do it.  People will rely on your word.

(Just as an aside, I work with many, many people who tell me that they will call me at a certain time or, worse, tell a client that they will call at a precise time, and they just don't do it.  Always with an excuse.  It tells me a lot about them.)

Never Say,  “I’ll Try”

“I’ll try” is an excuse.  If you are going to do something, say that you will do it.  Remember that if you are going to do something you don’t say, “I’ll try” - you wouldn't tell your kids that you will “try” to pick them up from school.

Be On Time

Nothing irks people more than someone who is constantly late.  Failure to be on time breeds distrust and communicates a lack of planning and discipline on your part. If you are a supervisor, it also communicates that it is permissible for your people to be late.

Manage Expectations
People often don't return calls or emails immediately - often they are waiting for additional information.  Better to simply communicate that you are waiting. That way people know you are on top of the situation. By managing expectations, you communicate that you are both buttoned up and involved.

Get In The Trenches

People who work with you and for you should know that you will do whatever it takes to get a job done.  If it means staying late just in case someone needs you, do it. You will earn respect and loyalty.  If the people who rely on you know that nothing is beneath you, they will follow you.  It is the true sign of a leader.

Be Friendly

I once had an account person who worked for me. He befriended every support staff person at the agency, including the telephone operators.  He remembered their names and what they did.  He always stopped to talk to them.  When he needed something they would jump through hoops for him.  If you are friendly to everyone, it will come back in spades.

Talk To People – Don’t Rely on Email

When I was in advertising, an account person who worked for me was surprised when some creative work he was expecting was not done.  His comment, “But I sent out a conference report.”  He never actually briefed them but he expected that people would actually read his memo and do the work. There is absolutely no substitute for in-person conversation.

Don’t Be Afraid To Delegate

Always put someone between you and the problem.  If you supervise properly you will be rewarded with performance and loyalty. Besides, delegating allows you to have the last word, which is the ultimate control. 

Give Clear Precise Direction

If you set expectations properly, people will deliver.  Telling people what you want, when you want it and how you want it, is critical to success.  I would recommend that everyone read Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson’s fabulous book, “The One Minute Manager” (plus other books in this series).

Give Credit When It Is Due

When you give your people the credit they deserve, you also earn credit.  Only fools take the credit for themselves.

Plan Ahead
Every successful executive comes in fifteen minutes to half an hour early to have undisturbed time to make lists and organize their day and, if necessary, their week.  Most prioritize their lists into what must be done and what they would like to do.  At the end of the day they re-review the list to make sure that they have accomplished what they need to do.  This kind of organization helps breed satisfaction - the satisfaction of accomplishing work in a timely fashion.