Recruiting wasn’t just about filling seats—it was about connecting the dots

 

When I look back at my recruiting days, I can’t help but smile. It was a wild ride, filled with endless phone calls, countless emails, and the thrill of the hunt. Finding the perfect candidate for a role felt like a victory every time. Now, as I’ve transitioned into Human Resources, my perspective has broadened, but my passion for understanding people and matching them with the right opportunities remains the same.

Recruiting wasn’t just about filling seats—it was about connecting the dots. Each job opening had its unique demands, and each candidate brought a different set of skills and experiences to the table. I learned early on that hiring managers weren’t just looking for someone who could do the job; they were looking for someone who could add value, help the company hit its goals, and mesh well with the team. It was my job to find them.

To do that, I had to become a detective. I immersed myself in understanding the company, the team dynamics, and the goals driving the department. What did success look like in this role? What kind of person thrived in my clients environment? I didn’t just look at resumes; I looked at potential. A candidate’s ability to grow with the company was often just as important as the skills they brought to the table.

Now, in my Human Resources role, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for how crucial these hiring decisions are. It’s not just about finding someone who checks all the boxes on a job description; it’s about finding someone who aligns with our company’s mission and values. Someone who will contribute to our culture, drive innovation, and help us achieve our long-term objectives.

One thing I’ve always been conscientious of is time. Both the candidate’s time and the company’s time. Recruitment is a balancing act. Take too long, and you risk losing top talent. Move too quickly, and you might miss red flags. I’ve always aimed to strike that balance—efficiently moving candidates through the process while ensuring we’re making thoughtful, strategic decisions.

Some of the best hires I’ve made were candidates who, on paper, didn’t seem like the obvious choice. But after digging deeper, I saw their potential and how their unique skills could fill a gap or solve a problem we hadn’t even considered. I remember one candidate in particular who had zero experience in my client’s industry but brought a fresh perspective and a creative approach to problem-solving. They ended up transforming the way my client approached a critical project, and their impact is still felt today.

These experiences taught me that a great recruiter does more than find candidates. They’re strategists, collaborators, and, sometimes, miracle workers. We have to understand the company’s needs as deeply as the hiring manager does, ask the right questions, and look beyond the surface to uncover the hidden gems. It’s about building a bridge between the company’s goals and the talent that can make those goals a reality.

As I’ve stepped into Human Resources, my mission has shifted slightly, but the core remains the same. I’m still focused on helping people grow, aligning talent with opportunity, and ensuring our company’s success. The difference now is that I get to see the bigger picture—from recruitment to onboarding to career development. It’s a journey, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

So, to all the hiring managers out there, know this: A great recruiter isn’t just someone who can post a job and sift through resumes. They’re your partner in building a strong, capable team. Spend time with them to help them understand your goals, know that they value your time, and are committed to finding candidates who will help you and the company thrive. And to all the recruiters, keep being the rockstars that you are. The work you do matters, and the impact you make can be felt far beyond the day a candidate accepts an offer.

Recruiting taught me a lot about people, business, and the power of connection. It’s a skill set I carry with me every day in my HR role, and it’s something I’ll always be passionate about. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about the people—and that’s what makes the work so meaningful.

Welcome to Recruiter Real Talk, where your career growth is our top priority. I’m Melinda Janeiro, a dedicated Human Resources Professional with over 15 years of progressive experience across various sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, and IT. My passion lies in empowering job seekers and professionals to excel through strategic skills enhancement and career guidance. Connect with me on LinkedIn.