“If you’re not in this industry to build genuine relationships, I’m sorry to say, that makes you a transactional recruiter—and in the long run, there might not be a place for you in this field.”

Lysha Holmes has said it right. The whole point of being in the recruitment industry is connecting humans to humans. 

Great recruiters go beyond transactional interactions, building genuine relationships through empathy and active listening.

If you’re wondering what transactions are, here’s an example: you simply forward a CV to a client without understanding or communicating the candidate’s unique strengths or career aspirations. They, basically, involve surface-level exchanges that lack depth or personalization.

In the second episode of The Recruitment Podcast, hosted by Kate O’Neill and powered by Recruit CRM, Lysha shares her take on what behaviors will set you apart from other recruiters.

From why empathy is your superpower to how consistency defines success—her insights are a must-hear for everyone in the industry.

Curiosity to learn and develop

Lysha believes that the first behavior every recruiter should master is a genuine curiosity for learning and growth. 

This doesn’t mean relying solely on traditional markers of success, like a degree. “I really hope we’re at a point where we’re no longer fixated on graduates,” she shares.

Many talented individuals either can’t afford or choose not to take on the financial burden of higher education. And truthfully, a degree doesn’t guarantee you’ll become a top biller. 

What matters most is a commitment to self-improvement, adaptability, and a hunger for knowledge.

Consistency is non-negotiable

“Never cut corners.” 

Lysha also emphasizes the importance of following every step of the process. Each detail—from understanding a candidate’s needs to clear client communication—is crucial. 

Skipping steps now can lead to breakdowns later, but consistency ensures success.

Lysha explains this with a spot-on analogy: 

“You’ve got your candidate ready for the client, the signed terms in place, and a clear understanding of the process. But if you miss even one component, like skipping a crucial step, it’s like forgetting an ingredient in a burger—it will all fall apart.”

Just like every ingredient is essential for a burger to hold together, every step in recruitment matters. 

Consistency, no matter how small or big the task, is what truly sets great recruiters apart.

Empathy will make you stand out 

“You never forget how someone makes you feel.”

Besides curiosity and consistency, she points out that empathy isn’t something you can fake or teach. 

It’s an innate recruitment skill that will set you apart when you genuinely invest in understanding the full story of the people you work with, such as their challenges, goals, and even what’s going on in their personal lives.