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Hi Recruiters,
Guess what’s hot right now. Your ATS—that’s what.
I’ll explain.
In our ever-spinning world, where the new and shiny seem to hypnotize the masses, why do we find ourselves caught in an eternal chase for the next big thing?
Sometimes the best inspiration comes from what’s behind you. Harnessing it just requires a little discernment. When done well, the strengths of the past can be leveraged to create new opportunities for the future. When done not-so-well, well… a dog chases its own tail.
For example, the 90s-inspired fashion trends of today have (mostly) omitted much of the awkwardness that plagued my younger years.
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
Exhibit C (okay, I had to throw in at least one cute one):
It makes sense—not everything from the past was a hit. Some things, however, age like fine wine. And like a quality leather jacket, the essence of good recruiting never goes out of style.
(Maybe my awkwardness had more to do with age than the state of culture, but you get my drift.)
The landscape of recruiting has seen its fair share of would-be revolutions. Mobile apps were once heralded as the messiah of the industry, and don’t even get me started on the digital ghost towns of Second Life and MySpace (RIP the most sinister social media feature ever created, the Top 8 friends list), or the professional networking apps (anyone remember BeKnown?) that were supposed to turn Facebook into a professional networking site.
It’s a quaint reminder of simpler times, knowing that these relics are now just footnotes in the chronicles of recruiting history.
And for those who fondly remember the era of classified ads, phone books, and the tactile joy of flipping through paper resumes—I see you and acknowledge your nostalgia. Just ask Chris Murdock about his ruler.
Like the ever-changing world of fashion, some new tools in recruiting tech become trends that come and go quickly, while others have lasting value (and therefore lack the nostalgia factor). There’s a reason why that old leather jacket still goes well with just about anything.
Similarly, amidst the technological rubble of 2023, it’s time for an old gem of recruiting to reemerge: Sourcing from your ATS. Before you start hating, hear me out.
There was a golden era, in the not-too-distant past, when your first response to an open position was to dive into the depths of your ATS in search of a solid lead. In fact, even suggesting using a new tool to source candidates without first consulting the ATS was akin to heresy.
In those days, you could count on your ATS. It was like spending a night out at your favorite dive bar, instead of exploring a trendy new spot, because the bartender always remembers your drink. The existing relationship ensures a good experience. You trust them to treat you well (and pour heavy).
It’s the same reason why, when I host a party, my first priority is not to find new friends; it’s to build on the relationships with the loyal ones I already have. Because that would be a little awkward, right? So is recruiting if your go-to move is to send weird, generic, templated emails to candidates who don’t know you and your brand.
Why gaze afar when treasures abound at your doorstep?
Even if my goal was to make friends, I’d much rather be introduced to new people by folks I have existing relationships with. It’s the natural and easy way to pre-qualify would-be strangers. The meeting benefits greatly from a mutual trust between parties.
By the way, if you’re lonely and reading this and thinking of finding friends or love by revisiting exes, it’s tempting but let’s aim higher, shall we? Remember, some discernment is still required.
The point is this: The advent of technology has certainly streamlined our quest for talent, but let’s not forget the value of tools flexible enough to stand the test of time—like making the most of your ATS.
The ATS isn't just another tool in your shed; it's the Swiss Army knife you didn't know you needed. Use it wisely and it will remind you of existing relationships you have that might be perfectly suited for a variety of roles you need filled.
From there, all you have to do is re-engage. And that’s a lot easier to do when you have a history with someone. In the latest SpeakEZ episode, Dana Wilkins shared a great tip for reaching out to previous candidates: Simply, be honest.
Dana said, “I’ll shoot them a message and say ‘hey, we talked last summer. The role wasn’t a fit, but we’ve had a new opportunity come up and the team mentioned you. Can we have a conversation about it?”
In the marketing realm and life, trust is the currency of engagement. This wisdom holds true in recruiting. Building and nurturing your fanbase (your community) is never going out of style. A rewarding career in recruiting is about creating connections that last beyond the fleeting allure of the new.
In this age of endless possibilities, the best approach I’ve found is to appreciate the value of what I already have. That’s hot.
Kunwar Ishan Sharma here! I am the last person on the planet who should have a say on what's hot (and my fashion sensibilities weren't too far off from what Shannon was rocking).
Instead, I'd like to discuss something Shannon mentioned: "In the marketing realm and life, trust is the currency of engagement." I've seen this play out firsthand between hireEZ and its customers (and it's heartwarming to watch trust in real time).
Here's to building more trust!
Until next time :)
-Recruiters
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