In this episode, I tackle a controversial topic—how recruiting leaders, internal recruiters, and external recruiters should (and shouldn’t) work together. Many recruiting leaders struggle with hiring support that truly works for their team. I break down why external recruiters often miss the mark, why internal recruiters tend to focus on the company over the leader, and the best way to structure a recruiting system that actually delivers results.

• [00:00] Introduction – Addressing the common challenges leaders face when working with recruiters.
• [01:00] The Role of External and Internal Recruiters – Why they often prioritize the company’s value proposition over the leader’s value.
• [02:30] The Problem with the Traditional Approach – How recruiters tend to “sell” an opportunity rather than build relationships.
• [04:00] The Best Way to Build a Recruiting System – Why recruiting leaders must take ownership of the process and be the key voice in attracting talent.
• [05:30] The Attractive Leader Framework – How leaders who define their vision, core values, and beliefs become recruiting magnets.
• [07:00] The Ideal Role of a Recruiter – Why a recruiter should act as a "dialer" who researches, initiates contact, and connects talent to the leader.
• [08:30] The Importance of Research in Recruiting – How recruiters should filter candidates through a core value lens before outreach.
• [09:30] How to Win More Recruits – The key to using an integrity-driven phone script to build real relationships.
• [10:30] Structuring a Recruiting Conversation That Works – Why leaders, not recruiters, should drive the conversation once a connection is made.

1. Recruiting Leaders Must Own the Process – The best results come when leaders take an active role in attracting talent.
2. External and Internal Recruiters Often Miss the Mark – They tend to lead with company value instead of leadership value.
3. The Attractive Leader Framework Works – Leaders with clear vision, values, and storytelling ability attract talent naturally.
4. Recruiters Should Be Connectors, Not Closers – Their primary role should be research and introductions, not leading the conversation.
5. Relationship First, Recruiting Second – The best recruiting conversations are based on genuine relationships, not a hard sell.

The most effective recruiting system is one where leaders drive the process. By structuring a system where recruiters act as connectors, and leaders take the lead in conversations, you create an approach that builds trust, attracts top talent, and delivers real results. If you’re a recruiting leader, it’s time to step up and take ownership of your recruiting efforts.

Want to build a recruiting system that actually works? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a coaching session at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s create a process that helps you win top talent consistently.

In this episode, I break down a powerful framework from Charles Duhigg’s book Super Communicators and apply it directly to recruiting. The best recruiters don’t lead with a sales pitch—they follow a natural flow of conversation: social, emotional, and decision-making. Understanding these three types of conversations will help you connect with recruits, build trust, and close more deals.

• [00:00] Introduction – Why communication is the #1 skill recruiting leaders need to master.

• [01:00] The Three Types of Conversations – Social, emotional, and decision-making—why the right order matters in recruiting.

• [02:30] Why Most Recruiters Get This Wrong – The mistake of jumping straight to the decision-making conversation and why it doesn’t work.

• [04:00] The Power of Social Connection – How relationship-building conversations create trust and open doors.

• [05:00] Emotional Conversations in Recruiting – Using dream-based recruiting to tap into what recruits truly want for their future.

• [06:30] Decision-Making Conversations at the Right Time – When and how to transition from emotional connection to discussing your opportunity.

• [07:30] How to Pivot If a Recruit Pushes for a Decision Early – Setting conversational goals to ensure you’re in the right type of discussion.

• [08:30] Why Selling First Creates Resistance – How leading with recruiting instead of relationship-building can kill deals before they start.

• [09:30] Final Thoughts & Book Recommendations – Why Super Communicators aligns with great recruiting strategy and how my book, How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World, connects with these principles.

1. Conversations Have a Natural Flow – The best recruiters start with social connection, move to emotional connection, and only then have a decision-making conversation.

2. Social Capital Comes First – Without trust and rapport, a recruit won’t engage in deeper conversations.

3. Dream-Based Recruiting Works – Helping recruits define their long-term vision builds emotional connection and influence.

4. Selling Too Early Pushes Recruits Away – Leading with recruiting instead of relationship-building reduces engagement and lowers your success rate.

5. Velocity Comes from Connection – Building the right type of conversations speeds up the recruiting process, rather than slowing it down.

If you want to recruit successfully, you must master the flow of conversation. Leading with connection instead of a sales pitch will change how recruits respond and dramatically improve your results. If you apply these principles, you’ll create more trust, increase engagement, and close more hires.

Want to refine your Recruiting? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or schedule a coaching session at bookrichardnow.com. For more insights, check out my book How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World!

In this episode, I explore the surprising parallels between recruiting and dating. From first impressions to long-term commitments, the way we engage with recruits is similar to how we build relationships. If you approach recruiting like dating—by focusing on connection rather than selling—you’ll build stronger, more meaningful relationships that lead to better hires and long-term retention.

• [00:00] Introduction – Recruiting and dating have more in common than you think! Why understanding this concept can transform your recruiting success.
• [01:30] Recruiting Is Like Dating – The process of sorting through candidates, handling unpredictability, and managing ghosting.
• [03:00] Why Selling Doesn't Work in Recruiting – Transitioning from a sales mindset to a relationship-building approach.
• [05:00] The Complexity of Career Changes – How recruits weigh major life decisions and why leaders must guide them with empathy.
• [07:30] The Slow Build vs. The Quick Close – Why recruiting isn’t about rushing but about building a foundation of trust.
• [10:00] The Ideal First Contact – Crafting a compelling, non-sales-driven first conversation with a recruit.
• [12:00] The Progression of Relationship Recruiting – Moving from initial conversation to deeper engagement without forcing commitment.
• [15:30] The Power of Affirmation in Recruiting – Why affirmation is one of the strongest motivators in both dating and recruiting.
• [18:00] Serving Before Asking – Why giving value first leads to stronger, more successful recruiting relationships.
• [21:00] Dreaming With Your Recruits – How asking about their dreams over the next five years creates lasting loyalty.

1. Recruiting Is About Relationships, Not Sales – Selling opportunities too early creates resistance, while relationship-building fosters trust.
2. Slow Down to Speed Up – Just like dating, recruiting requires a natural progression to be effective.
3. Affirmation Builds Connection – Encouragement and recognition go a long way in both recruiting and leadership.
4. Put Their Interests First – Giving value before making an ask makes recruits more open to future opportunities.
5. Help Recruits Dream – Leaders who help people reach their long-term goals will attract and retain top talent.

Recruiting isn’t about pushing opportunities—it’s about building trust and offering value over time. The best recruiters act like great relationship builders, leading with curiosity, affirmation, and genuine interest in their recruits' success. If you focus on relationships over transactions, your recruiting and retention will transform.

Want to build better recruiting relationships? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or schedule a coaching session at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s refine your recruiting strategy together!