What Can a Recruiter Learn From Breaking Bad

What Can a Recruiter Learn From Breaking Bad At first glance, the story of a mild-mannered  chemistry teachers transformation into a crystal-meth-producing criminal genius seems to have  little application in the world of recruitment. Frankly, most of our clients have little interest in  advanced chemistry, the criminal underworld or the business model of meth distribution â€" although  many will probably be massive fans of the show itself, which makes for enjoyable potential debate  during those post-work drinks. But as with most things in life, a little scrape under the blue-powder-coated surface of Breaking Bad  shows that its possible to find some useful lessons from our favourite TV show, with life imitating  art in a number of surprising ways: Never stop learning: If Mr White had spent his high-school chemistry lessons staring out of the windows (as many of  us no doubt did), he would never had gained the knowledge he eventually needed to become a  first-class crystal meth producer â€" a process requiring hugely complex and dangerous chemical  procedures. But knowing how to make the best product, meant his product would sell! Keep learning. Solve problems by thinking creatively: Mr White’s initial problem was to find money to pay for his treatment and to keep his loved ones  cared for after he was gone. He came up with an incredibly creative solution by analysing the facts  and items at his disposal. If you can find creative solutions for your clients and candidates problems or issues, they will view  you much more as a trusted advisor rather than just another recruiter. Additional examples of his creative problem solving include a higher level of throughput and  better distribution channels, which lead him to find a distributor, and then lead him to find a more  professional distributor. Which leads me on to my next point… Work with professionals: Walter found working with his first distributor, Tuco, far too risky and stressful. So he set out to find  a more professional distribution set up. If you are working with unprofessional clients, or candidates,  they will make you look unprofessional by association, so make sure you focus on high quality  people and relationships this will reduce the risk of anything going wrong, or situations falling apart  by people in your process who are ‘rogue elements’. In short, remove as much risk as possible from  your service. Find your area of speciality: Equally, by becoming a meth producer supreme, Mr White and, over time, his partner Jesse carved  out a highly profitable niche for themselves in a high-value growth market. This lesson definitely  translates for recruiters. By becoming a specialist in a niche or high-growth area, a recruiter can  position himself or herself perfectly for a successful career trajectory. The trick is to become  extremely competent and well regarded in that particular discipline so that people automatically go  to you by default, allowing you to build up your business profitably and sustainably. READ MORE:  How To  Recruit  for  Niche  Positions Build a better mousetrap: All great business minds know that if you offer a superior product with a clearly defined advantage,  the world will come calling in droves. Whether you are peddling illegal crystal meth (and we hope  that the average recruiter isnt doing this) or looking to win new clients in your recruitment field,  make sure you can define your product and sell it accordingly and that you offer something that  sets you apart from your competition. It might be a feature of your service offer, or it might be an  outstanding service or a particular area of knowledge or expertise in an emerging field. Define it,  market it and own it. Keep your business transport in good order: Remember the episode in which Mr White and Jesse almost die in the desert, trapped in their  broken-down RV? Such situations are fortunately rare for the average UK recruiter, but the  underlying principle still remains keep your business transport clean, smart and in good working  order. Dont bring your company car to breaking point. Treat it and everything else around you with  respect. The world will treat you with respect back. Plus, if people see you driving a beaten up, dirty  vehicle, hey will assume you are sloppy in all your habits, not the impression you want to make. Something not working? Reinvent yourself! Mild-mannered Walter White bore little resemblance to the terrifying Heisenberg who later  emerged. And, essentially, this persona was created with a pork-pie hat and a mean beard. These  two attributes might translate poorly into a recruitment scenario, but theres no doubt that a smart  and professional visual identity will take you far. Dress smartly, always look well presented and  cultivate a sense of style. Extend your personal brand across everything that you do, from your clean  and attractive business card to your professional mobile-phone greeting and that all-important first  handshake. Finish what you start: A crucial lesson of Breaking Bad is that Walt never leaves loose ends untied. This running theme  meant that the show was consistently good, and the finale exceptional. Jesse also learns this  attribute increasingly over time. Their ability to deliver means that they get the job done and  never leave their customer, or their violent, psychopathic and slave-driving distributor, Gus, short. Whether or not your recruitment boss shares similar characteristics to Gus, commit to being the  person who always delivers for your clients, your colleagues and your wider stakeholders. Follow your path: Walter White learned how to pursue his bliss. His decisions were increasingly questionable on a  moral scale, but the transformation of his character from weak and unhappy nobody to someone  with power, decisiveness and bold approach was truly fascinating to behold. The executives of AMC  followed a similarly bold path when commissioning this ground-breaking show, and the gamble  paid off, with many believing it to be one of the finest dramas ever aired. Bear this in mind as you  progress your career, and stay true to your dreams. Unless, of course, they involve making crystal  meth or becoming the cop brother-in-law of the man already making it. Your family: Even when Walt truly loses the way, he keeps his family central. In a sense, Jesse becomes part of  his extended family, proving that people dont need to be related to us to have a central role in  our lives. As recruiters we need something more than money to work for. Whether that is family,  friends, colleagues or community or all of these, have a bigger purpose and be accountable to more  people than just yourself and your bank balance. Your life will be richer for it. Author:  Alison Mulligan is Senior Account Manager at Maximus IT with 16 years experience in recruitment.