we need to keep both client and candidate on side, and it could be argued, that it is more important now than ever before to keep our clients happy. Here we will discuss some of the ways to keep your clients happy, and ultimately coming back to you for more hires. 

It might sound obvious, but listening to your client’s need is a must. You may think you know what they want, and the chances are you might be right, but by taking the time to really understand your client, their company, and the role itself is key to finding the right fit. Making the client feel heard is key. Not only will you have a greater chance of placing the perfect candidate, but you’ll be sure to build on your client relationship, strengthening the bond and securing your place as their trusted partner. 

Again, it may be obvious to you, but the importance of keeping all parties up to date with the most recent information can’t be underestimated. Through regular updates and effective communication, you’ll ensure you maintain trust and understanding. Whether you’re communicating with your team, your client, your stakeholders, or partners, update them with the latest progress and next steps. Where appropriate, inform them of any potential issues and the steps you’re taking to resolve them. Communicating effectively means considering your audience. For example, if you’re working with clients, focus on communicating “what” (specifically what you’re doing) rather than “why” (the reasoning behind the task). This will ensure they feel more engaged in the overall process. 

Knowing your market is key. Understanding the industry, keeping up to date with trends, regulations and technology will give you an advantage over your competitors and your clients will come to know you as an expert in your field. It is also important to do your research and have a good understanding of your client’s business in advance of any meetings with them. Being prepared will show them that you are interested in their business and that you value their time. Researching their company will enable you to tailor your presentation to their specific needs and demonstrate your knowledge of the market and their industry. This knowledge will allow you to network with ease and help you to form meaningful relationships that may lead to future business opportunities. 

Self-belief is a necessity in business, but by setting unrealistic expectations you are just setting yourself up to fail. A client would far rather you were upfront and realistic in your estimations, when searching for the right candidate, than by promising something you cannot deliver. By being up front you’ll find you are able to ask the right questions and come prepared with solutions tailored to their needs. If you are working with a new client, showing that you understand the market they operate in and what their business goals are, will give you greater insight into the challenges they might be facing and give context the value you can add. 

In recruitment a ‘one size fits all’ approach just doesn’t work. Every client, company and role is different and should be treated as such. Sure, you may have placed someone in a similar role for another client, but that candidate may not have been right for your current placement and vice versa. At the most basic level, recruitment is about finding the right person for the right job. To do this effectively, you must first understand the job itself. You cannot expect to find the right person for a role if you do not understand what that role entails. It’s important to take into account the company culture, the department that the role falls under and most importantly the personality of the person who will be doing that job. By offering a tailored approach you will be able to flex your skills and style to suit each client, giving you the best chance of success.