Knowing Your Values – Empowerment in Saying No

Recruitment, where do I start!  Recruitment, resourcing, talent acquisition, let’s keep it easy and for today, call it ‘recruitment’.

It’s easy to get caught up in the relentless pursuit of making placements and driving revenue, especially in the traditional ‘high street’ recruitment sector. The industry often demands more from us for less, meeting weekly KPI’s, hitting targets and revenue budgets which often push us to make compromises in either quality, service or our core values for the sake of filling roles, sounds familiar right?

However, we at Hadrians FIRMLY believe in staying true to our principles, even when it means turning down business- yes you heard me right, SAYING NO TO NEW BUSINESS is 100% the RIGHT THING TO DO.

As a reputable recruiter and business owner, I have spent years navigating this challenging landscape. I’ve learned through trial and error that knowing your values and feeling empowered to say no are crucial elements of success and integrity. It took me years to be brave enough to say no but let me tell you how empowering it was and hand on heart 100% the right decision for the business. Here’s why:

Upholding Your Values

Recruitment agencies often face the stereotype of being solely profit-driven. This perception goes against everything we stand for at Hadrians. We believe in offering bespoke, tailored, and quality outcomes for our clients and candidates. Our commitment to these values means we prioritise long-term relationships over short-term gains.

The Power of No

Saying no is not a sign of weakness, it’s a demonstration of strength and self-respect. It shows that we value our work and our worth. When clients demand more for less, it’s essential to remember that our expertise and efforts deserve fair compensation. By standing firm, we set a standard for how we expect to be treated and ensure we can continue to deliver a top-notch service.

Avoiding Unnecessary Compromises

For years, I found myself saying yes, okay, then, and compromising on what I believed in. This not only affected my business but also how I felt about the work we were doing. It’s vital to treat others as we would like to be treated, maintaining the integrity of our profession. By stepping away from deals that don’t align with our values, we preserve our reputation and ensure our clients appreciate our worth.

Collaboration Over Competition

The recruitment industry is competitive, but it doesn’t have to be cutthroat. I’ve learned that recommending another business that might be better suited for a particular assignment can be incredibly rewarding. It’s about propping each other up and fostering a community where we all thrive. Paying it forward strengthens our network and builds trust.

Being Bold and Open

It takes courage to say, “Actually, this one isn’t for us,” but it’s a bold move that pays off in the long run. Our door is always open for future opportunities, and clients respect our honesty and dedication to quality. This approach not only preserves our values but also sets us apart as a trusted partner in recruitment.

In conclusion, knowing your values and feeling empowered to say no are essential in the recruitment industry. We strive to stay true to our principles, ensuring we deliver the best outcomes for our clients while maintaining our integrity. It’s okay to step away from work that doesn’t align with our values, recommend others, and keep our door open for future collaborations. By doing so, we’ve built a reputation of trust, quality, and respect in a challenging yet rewarding sector.

Thanks for reading, Sarah.