Get ready for a fun-packed experience as we present our recent Recruitment Unplugged interview with Adrian Tan, a global HR influencer.
This article unfolds like a story, taking you through the twists and turns of his experiences, insights, and some ways to prevent burnout in the recruitment world.
Keep reading to get some valuable insights.
Knowing Adrian Tan
Adrian Tan has been a prominent figure in the HR supplier landscape for nearly two decades. While he has never practiced HR directly, his expertise lies on the supplier side. Over the past 19 years, he has delved into various roles, including
- Managing recruitment agencies
- Offering career coaching,
- Overseeing outplacement consultancy,
- Pioneering HR Tech certifications
- Hosting several recruitment podcasts
Then, he started Marketing Sumo.
“Marketing Sumo is a dream, a vision to revolutionize the way recruitment marketing is done.”
Now, let’s talk about the key highlights from his energy-packed interview.
Key takeaways from the interview
Top 3 practical tips to prevent burnouts
1. Set clear boundaries with alarms
Learning from his coach, Eric Particker, author of “The 3 Alarms”, Adrian uses alarms to segment his day.
“One alarm reminds me to dive into deep work, while another, labeled “world’s best father,” prompts me to wind down and spend quality time with my kids.”
In the age of remote work and endless notifications, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries.
Whether it’s designating specific hours for deep work, taking breaks, or family time, alarms can serve as gentle nudges, ensuring you don’t overextend yourself in any one area.
2. Designate a dedicated workspace
Having a specific spot for work helps in setting boundaries between professional and personal life.
Be it a corner in your home, a designated office, or even a favorite spot at a local café, ensure it’s free from distractions.
This space should signal your brain that it’s “work time” whenever you’re there, helping you get into the zone faster.
Over time, this consistent setting can boost productivity and reduce the time it takes to transition into work mode.
Adrian has consciously distanced himself from social media platforms like TikTok and limits his interactions with other networking sites by using the desktop version.
“I prefer using the desktop version of LinkedIn and Facebook to add a layer of friction.”
It’s okay to indulge occasionally, but it is equally essential to be mindful of the time spent on social media or other distractions.
Setting app limits or designated “no-phone” hours can help you stay present in the moment, be it work or relaxation.
Exclusive ways to deal with ethical dilemmas as a recruiter
1. Prioritize transparent communication
“Many companies don’t have the basic kind of visibility which makes things very tough!”
When you’re transparent with both candidates and employers, you build trust.
If a candidate isn’t the right fit, provide constructive feedback.
On the employer’s side, if a company’s hiring practices seem questionable, it’s crucial to voice concerns and offer solutions.
2. Cultivate a strong moral compass
“Recruiters should understand that they are not hiring for beauty pageants because the most beautiful person may become the most useless worker.”
This means standing firm in your beliefs, even when faced with external pressures.
For instance, if an employer insists on not hiring someone based on age, gender, or any other discriminatory factor, it’s your responsibility to push back, advocate for fairness, and eliminate any unconscious bias.
Now that we are end of our article, utilize these tips from an industry leader to boost your recruitment efforts and see results in no time!
Watch the full Recruitment Unplugged interview here:
