The 10 rules of recruitment

1. Rich's Rule - If the client is un-cooperative walk away.

If the hiring manager won't clarify the brief, won't give feedback, won't align on salary, or won't commit to a process - you don't have a search. You have a time sink.

2. Tom's Cold Call Rule - Call until one of you dies.

Pipeline is oxygen. Most recruiters quit after one attempt. Top billers don't.

3. Priya's Resume Rule - If in doubt, throw it out.

If a CV raises red flags, you're not obligated to fix it for them. Doubt at submission becomes regret at interview.

4. The Amy Hiring Mgr Rule - I'll put as much into the search as you

Recruiting is a two-way street. You go all in, if they don't? You adjust effort accordingly. Energy follows commitment.

5. The Jerry Rule - If a candidate reschedules, it won't work out.

Is this absolute? No. Is it often true? Yes. Patterns show up early, pay attention.

6. Jeff Altman Rule - Everyone lies.

Not maliciously, but selectively. Candidates inflate achievements and downplay weaknesses. Clients understate urgency and overstate budget flexibility. Your job is to verify, probe, and cross-check.

7. The Ernie Rule - No drama. Move on to the next call.

Recruitment is momentum. Emotion slows production. Volume cures overthinking.

8. Lydia - I ain't no SME & I don't have to be. (Subject Matter Expert)

You don't need to code in Python to recruit developers. You're a process expert and talent broker. Stay in your lane.

9. The Amy ML Rule - Trust your gut. If it feels bad, it is.

Experience creates intuition. Your subconscious spots risk before your spreadsheet does.

10. The Reputation Rule - Your name Is your real product.

Placements generate revenue. Reputation generates longevity. Every submission, every negotiation, every deal, either compounds trust or erodes it. Guard your reputation by all means, because your pipeline depends on it.