As a facilities management recruiter, the qualities we look for in candidates often include technical skills, experience, and qualifications.
However, one essential attribute that can set a candidate apart is kindness. According to the Oxford dictionary, kindness is defined as:
"the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate."
In the fast-paced world of facilities management, where deadlines and efficiency are paramount, kindness can sometimes take a backseat. Yet, integrating kindness into our professional lives can lead to more meaningful connections and a more positive work environment. Here’s why kindness is crucial and how we can incorporate it into our daily interactions.
Kindness is a fundamental human quality that often clashes with the demands of a high-pressure industry. As recruiters, our role goes beyond filling positions; we are responsible for fostering relationships and ensuring a good fit between candidates and employers. Acts of kindness can make this process smoother and more rewarding.
Being kind can help build trust and rapport with candidates. A friendly, considerate approach can make candidates feel valued and respected, leading to more open and honest communication. This, in turn, can help us better understand their needs and aspirations, ensuring a better match for the roles we are filling.
Despite its importance, kindness can be challenging to practice consistently. The pressure to meet targets and the fast-paced nature of our work can make it easy to overlook the small gestures that make a big difference. However, by making a conscious effort to be kind, we can overcome these challenges and create a more supportive work environment.
Here are some practical ways we and you can incorporate kindness into the recruitment process:
1. Be Present: Pay close attention to candidates during interviews and conversations. Being fully present helps you catch subtle cues and respond more empathetically.
2. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in what candidates are saying. Active listening validates their experiences and helps build trust.
3. Start Small: Simple acts, like a warm greeting or a follow-up message, can have a significant impact. Small, consistent gestures create a positive experience for candidates.
4. Lead by Example: Demonstrate kindness in your interactions with colleagues and candidates. Your behavior can inspire others in your organisation to prioritise kindness as well.
5. Offer Support: If a candidate mentions feeling stressed or overwhelmed, offer a chat or send a supportive message later in the day. This shows that you care about their well-being beyond the recruitment process.
6. Make Introductions: Connecting candidates with valuable contacts, whether it's a potential client or a supplier, can help their careers and show that you’re invested in their success.
7. Remember Important Dates: Take note of significant dates for your candidates, like a big interview or a personal milestone. Sending a few words of encouragement can make them feel supported.
8. Celebrate Wins: Encourage candidates to share their achievements and celebrate these milestones with them. Recognition can boost their confidence and morale.
9. Create a Safe Space: Foster a relationship where candidates feel comfortable reaching out to you. Let them know they can contact you when they need support, and be open to sharing your own challenges as well.
10. Be Honest: Show your human side by being honest about your own challenges. Vulnerability can strengthen your connection with candidates and create a more authentic relationship.
Integrating kindness into our daily lives and work practices not only enhances our relationships but also enriches our professional environment. It fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, leading to greater satisfaction and productivity.
This week, consider how you can make kindness a core part of your recruitment process. Challenge yourself to perform additional, deliberate acts of kindness. Observe how these acts impact both your candidates and your own sense of well-being.
By prioritising kindness, we can create a more supportive, positive, and effective recruitment process that benefits everyone involved.
