Google Glitch: Your Agility Test Results Are In
Google glitch got you down? Expand your sourcing toolkit and mindset for true recruiting agility. The key to success isn't just tools, it's your mindset!
As recruiters, we pride ourselves on being adaptable. We handle last-minute changes, market shifts, and unexpected hiring needs with grace (and maybe a bit of caffeine-fueled determination).
But what if the tools we rely on suddenly change? Imagine the whole recruiting scene shifting right from under us. Makes you wonder, are we really as adaptable as we think? Take the recent Google glitch, for instance. It threw a wrench in our usual search routines and really made us think.
It showed us maybe we're putting all our eggs in one basket with these tools and platforms. Being adaptable in our daily tasks is one thing, but it's about time we broaden that idea. Let's challenge ourselves to be just as flexible with our methods, our tech, and our whole approach to sourcing.
Are recruiters really that adaptable?
Let's be real – as recruiters, we excel at painting a picture of ourselves as masters of change. We talk about being flexible, rolling with the punches, and pivoting our strategies at a moment's notice. But when the unexpected disrupts our carefully curated toolkits, do we really back up our words with action?
The Google glitch was a prime example. Yes, it was temporary, but the widespread reaction went beyond frustration. It was tinged with a hint of panic, like the very foundation of our sourcing success was crumbling.
A lot of folks have been asking me how to solve it. At the time, I didn't know because, as an employee, my job is to work for my emplyer and not trying to solve these things on the spot. But whenever someone reached out, I always gave them the same advice: 'Did you try using Bing instead of Google?' They do not even think about it!
This reliance on the familiar isn't a weakness in itself – everyone needs reliable tools. However, the recent Google glitch and the resulting reactions made me think: have we confined our adaptability to the comfortable confines of what we already know?
Consider how many recruiters still cling to LinkedIn as their primary sourcing platform, even when provided with other robust tools. There's comfort in the known, the certainty that those candidates are right there, easily found. Adopting a new platform or experimenting with alternative sourcing techniques demands a conscious effort to step outside that familiar landscape.
This isn't a blame game (I'm just as guilty as the next recruiter!). We absolutely rock at adapting to the ever-fluctuating demands of specific hiring needs. Our true test lies in shifting that same adaptability to how we approach the bigger picture.
Can we embrace change not just within our daily workflows, but also in the fundamental tools and mindsets we rely upon?
Ways to Build Adaptability
Being adaptable isn't about suddenly becoming a tech wizard or abandoning your favorite tools. It's a mindset shift, a series of deliberate choices that make us more resilient and open to change.
Let's tackle this with some actionable tips:
1. Embrace "Beginner's Mind"
Getting really good at something is definitely a big deal and worth a pat on the back. But here’s the twist - sometimes, when we get too good, we start to take things easy, and that’s not always great. It’s like we hit cruise control and stop looking for new ways to shake things up. That’s why it’s helpful to try seeing things with fresh, newbie eyes, even if you’re dealing with stuff you’ve done a million times.
Ever thought about how, in your day-to-day tasks, there might be things you do on autopilot without asking if there’s a better way? What if there’s a tool or trick out there that could do the job faster or better? By questioning the usual way of doing things, you’re basically inviting all sorts of cool, new ideas to the party.
This whole idea of playing the newbie can help keep things exciting - it’s all about learning, getting better, and finding smarter ways to do stuff. So, why not give it a shot? Look at your work like you’re seeing it for the first time. Be curious, welcome change, and don’t be scared to challenge the way things are. Innovation starts when you’re open to exploring with the eyes of a beginner. That’s how you find the real game-changing stuff.
2. The Curiosity Cure
Ask "why" more often. Why did we settle on this particular outreach method? Why do we structure our searches in a particular way? Don't just blindly accept the status quo. Dig deeper by looking beyond the daily mechanics of your tasks and nurture a genuine curiosity about the recruiting industry at large.
What new platforms are job seekers turning to? Are there emerging tech trends that could reshape the way we source in the years ahead? Cultivate this inquisitive mindset, as it fuels the desire to explore and experiment, leading to fresh and effective approaches.
I love sharing real-world examples, so let me tell you about mine. Did you know that 74% of Gen Z internet users turn to TikTok for searches? This sparked my curiosity about how they use the platform to find tips and best practices. I started my own TikTok channel and began researching Gen Z's search habits. Understanding this will help me effectively target them with relevant job postings.
3. "Yes, and..." not "Yes, but..."
This simple mental shift is incredibly powerful. When faced with a new idea or an unfamiliar tool, our instinct might be to list the reasons why it might not work. Resist this tendency.
Instead, challenge yourself to think, "Yes, and how could this…?" This positive framework encourages solution-based thinking as opposed to reflexive negativity. You'll begin to see challenges as opportunities, as catalysts for innovation and improvement in your everyday work.
4. Network outside your bubble
Our recruiter communities are fantastic sources of support and shared knowledge. However, to truly push your adaptability, venture beyond these comfortable circles. Seek out connections with tech developers, people working in AI and automation, or even marketing professionals.
What new technologies are on their radar that might have the potential to disrupt and transform recruiting? This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to breakthrough 'aha!' moments.
For example, a conversation with someone in the marketing automation field might lead you to consider how similar software could streamline candidate communication or pre-screening processes.
5. Make time for learning
The demands of our roles make it tempting to relegate professional development to "when I have a free moment"...which rarely happens. Combat this by actively scheduling time for learning – even 30 minutes a week makes a difference.
This could mean diving into recruiting-focused blogs, following industry leaders who share cutting-edge insights, or exploring online courses on emerging tech tools. Treat this learning time not as a luxury, but as an essential investment in your ability to remain agile and ahead of the curve.
6. Experiment!
It's one thing to read about new techniques or tools, but putting them into practice is where the real transformation happens. Adopt an experimenter's mindset. Look for opportunities, even small ones, to try things a bit differently.
Maybe it's adjusting the wording in your outreach templates to see if it impacts response rates, or exploring a search string builder you've never used before.
It could even be testing a time management technique you read about to improve your workflow efficiency. The key is to embrace the trial and error process. Not everything will yield groundbreaking results, but remember, even those 'failures' provide valuable data points, propelling you toward solutions that truly propel your adaptability forward.
K2OSINT's tweet really hit home on how crucial experimenting is. Ever found yourself stuck because 'filetype:' wasn't doing the trick? Why not mix it up with 'site:' and throw in an asterisk for good measure? A lot of folks haven't even considered this, but it's a neat trick worth trying, just like K2OSINT shared.
7. Redefine "failure"
It's easy to feel discouraged when an experiment doesn't work out. But instead of labeling it a failure, reframe it as a learning experience. Ask yourself: What did (or didn't) work as expected? How might the process be adjusted for a future attempt? Was the original goal too ambitious?
Treat those less-than-ideal outcomes not as roadblocks, but rather as valuable data points guiding you towards a new and potentially better solution. This resilience in the face of setbacks is crucial to maintaining a mindset that embraces the ongoing process of adaptation.
Adapt to Thrive
Imagine a future where recruiters aren't scrambling to react to changes, but are instead at the forefront of innovation. A future where we're fluent in the language of both data and tech, not just utilizing new tools, but actively collaborating with developers to shape them.
Imagine customized recruitment systems built with our unique insights and challenges in mind, revolutionizing the very way we connect talent with opportunity. This vision isn't some far-fetched dream; it's a trajectory we can steer towards.
But it starts with a choice, made every day, to embrace adaptability as our superpower. Every time we push beyond the familiar, ask a new question, or explore a potential new solution, we lay the groundwork for that future.
This isn't just about keeping up with the times; it's about harnessing the incredible potential of our profession to reshape the hiring landscape. We have the capacity to be not just adaptable, but pioneers of the next wave of recruitment.
The question is: are we ready to seize that opportunity?
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Your adaptability isn't complete without knowing where to find those crucial solutions on the fly. Sure, you've built the mindset, but what about the practical tools to get unstuck fast? Let's dive into my go-to sources when I need answers quickly, and you might be surprised by where I turn first...
Where do I search for solutions when I don't have the answer?
These are my go-to sources: