As a working professional, there is a good chance that you have connected with recruitment consultants a few times, either in person or over the phone.
Armed with a quiver full of answers beyond just a job offer, recruitment consultants work towards your overall well-being, both as an employee and as an individual. At the same time, they also serve the interests of the organisation they work with.
Their reach extends beyond matching qualified candidates with open positions. They are aligned with finding the right talent, not only for a specific role but also for the company culture as a whole. Keeping the long-term vision firmly in view, they delve deep into the underlying issues that impact employees and organisations, seeking solutions to several challenges, day after day.
It is only fair then, that we drop our myopic understanding of recruitment consultants and rebrand this multifaceted profession. Starting now, the term “social doctors” would be a befitting descriptor for these multi-taskers.
Why “social doctors”?
You won’t find them wearing the iconic white coat and stethoscope, yet social doctors is an apt term because recruitment consultants offer the panacea to several ails – within the workplace as well as outside it.
For starters, social doctors take a holistic approach and cultivate lasting relationships. They counsel, guide, and nurture candidates even before a placement occurs. From examining profiles and identifying strengths to suggesting areas of improvement and encouraging candidates to put their best foot forward, social doctors play an important role.
Social doctors also provide guidance and support to candidates long after they are placed in a new organisation.
Trusted confidantes for candidates
Although we sometimes find that candidates approach them only when they face problems, a good social doctor can be a trusted confidante of candidates, offering guidance and support throughout their career journeys.
They don’t just pop up during appraisal season; they also act as reliable monitors and sounding boards, all year round. They are not only the custodians of your professional life but also your mentors outside the workplace. Their 360-degree experience allows them to address a wide range of issues that are critical to a healthy work environment.
They provide a safe space for honest discussions about career confusion and dissatisfaction – whether due to a difficult boss, an unfulfilling role, uneasiness with the culture of a company, poor work-life balance, the desire for better pay or a career shift – things that might be difficult to address within the current company.
Social doctors wear the hat of a counsellor and act in the employee’s best interest. They analyse the situation and find solutions. Oftentimes, this includes doing a skills gap analysis to gauge the employee’s strengths, skills, and experience to identify areas for improvement. This could involve recommending relevant training or certifications to enhance their marketability. They also help candidates craft compelling resumes and hone interview skills to make a strong impression on potential employers.
What is more, social doctors go the extra mile to assist candidates in exploring different career paths that align with their interests, values, and long-term goals. Towards this purpose, they may introduce candidates to new industries or specialisations they may not have considered in the past.
If compensation or benefits are a concern, social doctors can equip candidates with negotiation strategies that can be used effectively during the discussion.
Cultivating relationships and building a sustainable ecosystem
They guide and mentor employees about conflict resolution and interpersonal relations. The ripple effect of this can often be seen outside the work environment, proving that happiness is an attitude that can be cultivated.
Social doctors play a crucial role in nurturing the social fabric of the workplace, fostering a more equitable and sustainable professional ecosystem for all. Similar to a doctor conducting a thorough diagnosis before prescribing medication, social doctors don’t make blind recommendations. They delve deep to understand the specific needs of a business and find solutions that create a win-win situation for both the organisation and its employees.
Social doctors gather information about the organisation’s culture, leadership, and values. By identifying the kind of individuals who will thrive within that ecosystem, they go beyond simply filling a vacancy; their focus is on ensuring the long-term wellbeing of both the company and the employee.
They work closely with new hires to ensure a positive first impression and successful integration. Furthermore, they identify areas for improvement within the company culture and design programs to enhance employee engagement and performance.
Social doctors help to build diverse, inclusive workforces. They advise on leadership training, succession planning, and business goals to create a harmonious work environment that attracts top talent.
Through in-depth discussions, social doctors identify obstacles hindering an organisation’s success. They assess team dynamics, workflows, and upcoming projects to plan for the future. By considering market trends, technological advancements, and strategic goals, social doctors build talent pipelines that contribute to sustainable growth.
Social doctors play a critical role in identifying opportunities for growth within the company, ultimately leading to employee retention. Social doctors bridge the gap between employees and management by reducing costly turnover and ensuring a stable and experienced workforce. Their comprehensive approach focuses on the well-being of candidates and companies, resulting in a healthy environment for everyone concerned.