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Author: Hishem Azzouz

The Top 5 Episodes To Listen To If You Want To Become A Leader

Posted on by Hishem Azzouz

Becoming a leader and managing a team is one of the key paths a recruiter can take, and if you’re reading this – you’re probably considering management (or already mentoring) as we speak. 

I’ve been incredibly lucky to host some inspirational leaders on the podcast, all of whom have different personalities, management styles and advice to aspiring or current leaders.

So, without further ado – here are the top 5 episodes to listen to if you want to become a leader!

1. Episode #135 | Arjun Gillard

I loved recording this episode because although Arjun’s journey into recruitment was similar to most, he quickly progressed and now leads teams of 20+ people, which is no mean feat. 

What’s more, is that he still bills alongside this – something that we all know is an incredibly challenging task. We unpack so much on this episode, inclusive of leading large-scale teams.

2. Episode #180 | Jay Guney

Jay is such a unique guest on the podcast, not only due to his infectious personality, but also how he focusses on uplifting and driving positivity as a leader. 

Too often we hear about the tough-natured managers in recruitment, and Jay shows that the “beating with a stick” approach doesn’t always work.

3. Episode #136 | Shaun Taylor

If you’re looking to maximise your team’s billings, then this episode is definitely for you. Shaun talks about how he built a million-pound billing team, as well as how to sustain high performance and get the most out of your team!

4. Episode #217 | Mel Houghton

Being human and empathetic are two key traits that a successful manager should possess, and Mel and I unpack this in depth in this episode. She talks about her experiences as a manager, as well as how managers got the best out of her as a consultant.

5. Episode #203 | Michael Judkins

This is an excellent episode that discusses not only leadership, but how leadership can differ when working in a larger corporation to a smaller, boutique-feel consultancy. Michael worked at Michael Page before transitioning, and this episode is ideal for those who are in a similar situation!

What episodes do you think we’re missing that have had the biggest impact on your career as a recruiter? Leave a comment below!

The Top 5 Episodes To Listen To If You’re Building A New Market

Posted on by Hishem Azzouz

Building out a new market in recruitment is incredibly challenging, regardless of how experienced you are as a recruiter. 

Whether it’s building a market due to changing companies, or building a market due to increased demands from clients – the trials and tribulations that come with carving out a niche can be difficult to overcome.

I’ve loved speaking to multiple recruiters who have had the task of building out a new market, as everybody has their approach, mindset and technique. 

The podcasts below are the stand-out episodes for me, all of which have their own unique takeaways.

So, without further ado – here are the top 5 episodes to listen to if you want to build a new market!

1. Episode #201 | Chris Bennet

This is an excellent episode to listen to if you’re feeling demotivated whilst building out a new market – because Chris has built out 4! After recently building out a Sweden tech division for his current agency, he shared a lot of insight which would add value to anyone looking for additional resource and motivation.

2. Episode #213 | Lewis Adams-Dunstan

 I loved recording this episode as it covers building out a new market, but also how to do this whilst relocating overseas. Lewis has built out a Danish tech market from scratch, and more recently built out his companies US business from scratch!

3. Episode #209 | Gabbi Trotter

Gabbi’s episode is ideal for those who are looking at building a niche within a niche, especially if you’re looking at local geographies. She built out the testing market from scratch in her current role, specifically covering the north-west.

4. Episode #143 | Sophie Allen

This episode is perfect for those who are struggling with the candidate side as well as the client-side of building a new desk. Too often we focus on business development without realising that candidates are also a core part of building out a successful market. We unpack how Sophie also won her clients within Tech Sales, specifically in the graduate market.

5. Episode #182 | Susan Barrance

Susan shares her “land and expand” approach once a new market has been built. Again, in recruitment, we are very focussed on new business, and Susan talks about the importance of expanding your client base and maximising what you already have.

What episodes do you think we’re missing that have had the biggest impact on your career as a recruiter? Leave a comment below!

The Top 5 Episodes To Listen To If You’re Starting Out In Recruitment

Posted on by Hishem Azzouz

If you’ve just started your journey in the world of recruitment, you’re in the right place. Undoubtedly, you’ve probably got many questions about recruitment, and you may even be apprehensive because there’s a lot to learn. However, I was in your shoes once, as were the recruiters on each episode I’ve listed below.

My main motivation for starting the podcast was to provide valuable resources for recruiters, so they could grow and develop their careers without limits. 

So, without further ado – here are the top 5 episodes to listen to if you’re starting out in recruitment!

1. Episode #78 | James Dean

This is the perfect episode for new recruiters who are struggling to make their first deal. Although the feeling of placing a candidate or winning a new client is great, it can often take a little longer for some recruiters. 

James and I unpack this in detail in this episode, as well as covering how he progressed from billing £0 in his first 12 months, through to achieving “Top Biller” status in his agency as well as leading a team.

2. Episode #217 | Melissa Houghton

I loved recording this episode with Melissa! Not only does she have 8+ years of recruitment experience, but she talks about her journey as a graduate through to a manager. 

You’ll get some excellent advice on client relationship building in this episode as well as building a winning mindset.

3. Episode #204 | Amy Steel

This was a poignant episode, as Amy delves into day plans, the power of organisation and maximising your desk. She also started recruitment as a graduate and progressed to Director status within 6 years, and her story is incredibly inspiring – especially if you’re a female in recruitment!

4. Episode #182 | Susan Barrance

This episode with Susan is a deep-dive into “landing and expanding” clients, which may sound like something you’d aspire to start doing once you’re well-versed in recruitment, however, it’s never too early to start working smart with the clients you do have. 

We often get caught up in the buzz of new business that we forget the importance of nurturing the clients that you already have.

5. Episode #187 | Connor Hey

Not only was Connor Hey a trainee priest (you heard it here first), but he’s also had to navigate building his desk during the Covid-19 pandemic. For many recruiters, this will be your current reality. 

Connor articulates his journey in recruitment with complete clarity, and an episode I’d highly recommend for anyone who has just started out in recruitment.

What episodes do you think we’re missing that have had the biggest impact on your career as a recruiter? Leave a comment below!

The Ultimate Reading List For High Performing Recruiters

Posted on by Hishem Azzouz

If you’re looking to improve as a recruiter, it’s going to take a lot more than building your personal brand on LinkedIn and booking extra client meetings.

The development opportunities for anyone in recruitment are limitless, you just have to tap into and hone the right resources that will work for you. 

We’ve taken the time to speak to the Recruitment Mentors community, as well as undergo our own research to compile the ultimate reading list for high performing recruiters!

You’ll see that we’ve broken down each book into categories, so you can easily find what will work best for you.

The Rich Recruiter - Andrew Leong

Great for: Junior Recruitment Consultants

Reading difficulty: Easy

Accessible on: Paperback, Kindle

What’s it about?

“Whether you’re new to recruitment, an experienced recruiter or a struggling recruiter, The Rich Recruiter is a step by step guide on how rich recruitment consultants achieve their success. The Rich Recruiter has been written specifically for recruitment consultants working for recruitment agencies. Therefore, it has remained completely true to the industry.”

The Rich Recruiter is a whistle-stop, ultimate guide to those who are in the earlier stages of their career. Although this book is marketed to those at all levels, it’s found to work particularly well for Junior Consultants as well as Mid-Level Consultants who have experienced a dip in billings/motivation and need some extra advice.

The three things you will learn:

  • How to win new clients, even in a competitive market
  • How to write, structure and target winning e-shots that pull in jobs
  • How to successfully negotiate and close deals that’ll maximise your fee rate while creating a win-win situation

Think And Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

Great for: All career stages

Reading difficulty: Intermediate

Accessible on: Paperback, Kindle, Audible

What’s it about?

“Think and Grow Rich is the most important financial book ever written. Napoleon Hill researched more than forty millionaires to find out what made them the men that they were. In this book he imparts that knowledge to you.”

Think and Grow Rich is one of the most famous self-help/motivational non-fiction books ever made. There are thirteen rules in this book to follow, and the beauty of this book is it’s one you can refer back to no matter what stage of your career you’re at.

The three things you will learn:

  • The core 13 principles of financial success
  • How to implement specific strategies to earn more money
  • Traits and skills you can hone to make yourself a better salesperson

Money - Rob Moore

Great for: All stages

Reading difficulty: Difficult

Accessible on: Paperback, Kindle Audible

What’s it about?

“In a world which increasingly feels like it revolves around money, it’s easy to feel like the gap between the money you earn and the money you need to live the life you want is just too great. 

If you’re not where you want to be in your life with money and wealth, then it’s important to close the gap and get on track to creating the success that you want. Learn how to understand money, make more of it, and live the life you deserve”.

Money is a book that covers practically everything to do with money: how to invest it, how to respect it and how to not let it consume your life.

Money is a huge factor in every recruiters life, and this book highlights many theoretical and factual research on Money, as well as how mindset and how you value yourself and your time can impact how much money you make.

It’s a dense read, but one that any recruiter can take value from, especially if education around money is something that you lack. 

The three things you will learn:

  • How to have a healthy relationship with the money you earn
  • The importance of an abundance-based mindset
  • The slow and steady route to developing wealth

The Infinite Game - Simon Sinek

Great for: Anyone who is a manager or business owner

Reading difficulty: Intermediate

Accessible on: Paperback, Kindle, Audible

What’s it about?

“In The Infinite Game, Sinek applies game theory to explore how great businesses achieve long-lasting success. He finds that building long-term value and healthy, enduring growth – that playing the infinite game – is the only thing that matters to your business.”

The Infinite Game is a book which is perfect for those who are in leadership roles, and want tangible insight and advice on leading teams, sustaining them and building trust. Sinek provides actionable takeaways throughout the book, and he’s known for his unique approach and stance to team building. 

The three things you will learn:

  • How to be emotionally available to your team without sharing too much personal information
  • How to build trust with teams over time
  • How to become a better leader

The Obstacle Is The Way - Ryan Holiday

Great for: Anyone who is a manager or business owner

Reading difficulty: Intermediate

Accessible on: Paperback, Kindle, Audible

What’s it about?

“With a simple change of attitude, what seem like insurmountable obstacles become once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Ryan Holiday, who dropped out of college at nineteen to serve as an apprentice to bestselling ‘modern Machiavelli’ Robert Greene and is now a media consultant for billion-dollar brands, draws on the philosophy of the Stoics to guide you in every situation, showing that what blocks our path actually opens one that is new and better.”

The Obstacle Is The way is a motivational and inspiring book which focuses on mindset, attitude and how you approach business and life. Holiday draws on his own experiences to create a memorable and life-changing novel.

The three things you will learn:

  • Why the ego is truly the enemy
  • How to apply simple practices to your day to day life to become better
  • How to change your attitude to evoke positive change

How To Win Friends And Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Great for: All career stages

Reading difficulty: Intermediate

Accessible on: Paperback, Kindle, Audible

What’s it about?

“Millions of people around the world have improved their lives based on the teachings of Dale Carnegie. In How to Win Friends and Influence People, he offers practical advice and techniques, in his exuberant and conversational style, for how to get out of a mental rut and make life more rewarding.”

How To Win Friends And Influence People is another timeless book that can be read by pretty much anyone – not just recruiters. It’s one that offers a ton of insight, without feeling like you have to trawl through too much information to get to the point.

The three things you will learn:

  • How to increase your popularity, which can be applied to winning clients
  • How to become a better speaker both privately and publicly
  • How to influence to your advantage

What books do you think we’re missing that have had the biggest impact on your career as a recruiter? Leave a comment below!

Why does the Recruitment Mentors community exist?

Posted on by Hishem Azzouz

The idea for Recruitment Mentors unofficially started when I entered my second year in recruitment.

I went from being the top salesperson in an insurance brokerage to being at the bottom of the leaderboard at a small insurance recruitment agency within 12 months.

I was hungry to develop and eager to learn about anything that would help me improve. I wanted to go from the bottom to the top as quickly as possible, especially as I entered my second year in recruitment. 

Besides a three-day training course which I went on in my first 6 months, my ‘formal’ training consisted of reflecting on bad calls or learning how to process my emotions when deals dropped out. I had to learn the hard way.

Of course – my colleagues helped me, and I had the support of the team, but it was limited to the eight recruitment consultants in the business at the time. 

I kept thinking to myself, this surely couldn’t be the only way I could develop and accelerate my career to the top of the leaderboard, could it?

The answer was, unfortunately, yes. 

This all changed when I decided to start “The Recruitment Rollercoaster Podcast”. I would spend my morning commute in the car every single day devouring personal development podcasts, and I noticed quickly that there wasn’t one dedicated to recruitment. 

At the beginning of 2018, the podcast was born, and it became the catalyst for Recruitment Mentors.

In November 2019 we hosted the first-ever LIVE Recruitment Rollercoaster event. 75 Recruitment consultants paid to attend – I couldn’t believe how many people felt the same as I had when I was a consultant. 

They were keen to develop and better themselves professionally and personally.

This was the “eureka” moment whereby I started to formulate a plan for Recruitment Mentors.

The event showcased a genuine appetite from recruitment consultants who were serious about their development. They had all paid to meet like-minded professionals whilst learning from the guests at the event.

Of course, I’d attended multiple events in the past – but these were always aimed at recruitment business owners. 

Take a look at how the event went … (We can’t wait to create face to face experiences again!)

Play Video

Why wasn’t there more events like this dedicated to Recruitment Consultants?

This question encouraged me to create a business plan and to ask for advice on the idea.

What motivated me to build a business plan and connect with people who could help make this happen was the idea that I could create a place that I desperately needed back when I worked in recruitment. 

It would give more recruitment consultants an equal opportunity to accelerate their careers!

I truly believe that if you’re a recruitment professional who has the inner drive and ambition to want to develop and become the best recruiter you can be, then you shouldn’t be limited or prevented by barriers that sit outside of your control.

Those barriers could be working for an organisation which doesn’t have a Learning and Development team, or it could be an organisation where the training styles and delivery don’t work for you.

You should be able to take your growth into your own hands.

I knew that Recruitment Mentors needed to be brought to life, so I connected with people who I had met through the podcast that I felt would be aligned with my vision, as well as making it a success.

I was thrilled to have Neil Clough, Calum Morrison, Nicole Plinstone and Rob Hanna on board to help make my vision a reality.

Fast forward to the 23rd of November, and we have now onboarded our first cohort of mentors to the community, and welcomed our first group of founding members.

It took a whole year from it being an initial idea to becoming an actual physical community that recruitment consultants could join. We couldn’t be more excited by the potential this community has!

What’s clear is our vision: to build a place that enables recruitment consultants to maximise their potential professionally and personally – in a sustainable way, through diverse community learning. 

A recruitment consultant’s growth will no longer be limited by barriers that they can’t control.

Take the growth of your recruitment career into your own hands.

Progress without limits with Recruitment Mentors!

Hishem

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