Why do we call recruitment a process? Why isn't it art?
Traditionally, when an organization decides to hire a new employee, a recruiter will meet with a hiring manager for an intake meeting. At the intake meeting, the two would discuss the deliverables, a timeline, and end with an executive summary (hopefully).
First, I take issue with this entire process.
Second, my explanation will take a minute to read - please read.
Hiring Manager - the name sounds industrial. A throwback to bygone days when companies had personnel departments. Let's call it what it is, a human being needing another human being to do something amazing for them and produce.
Intake Meeting - psychiatric and rehab facilities have "intake" departments. Why not see this meeting as a creative conversation? I see answering two questions - what's the work that matters? Who's the person that will care enough to do that work?
Deliverables - people are not deliverables. 'Nuff said.
Hiring is already a stressful process, but it doesn't have to be. It can be creative, artistic, and human.
If you're in the business of recruiting - consider looking as yourself as a people artist. One that connects people with opportunities to do something that matters.
If you're an employer - consider writing job descriptions that show the opportunities an individual has to make an impact with your organization. Ask them to solve interesting problems. Break the mold!
If you're a job seeker - know that this is your time. With so many people laid off, there will be a mass hiring when things clear up. You have a chance to determine what employers serve you and your values.
Art exists at the moment when a communicator's idea generates a response within the listener.
Art exists at the moment when a job seeker comes alive from the opportunity a recruiter presented to them.
Art exists at the moment when their stress turns to relief once their newly hired team member actively engages in their work and ends their day fulfilled.
To me, recruitment isn't a process.
It's not a numbers game.
It's not sales.
It's an art, and it's human.