According to Business Insider, the economy in 2023 is about to get tougher. But fewer job openings does not mean that recruiters will not face hectic days. In fact, an economic slowdown could mean even more applicants are applying for every position. The fact is that time management is essential for any recruiter whether we are facing the Great Resignation or going through a recession. Here are a few time management tips that will help you excel either way.
#1. Conduct a Time Audit
Knowing where you can save time is difficult unless you know how and where you are wasting it. That’s where a time audit comes in handy, by letting you know how you spend your time. The results can then be used to determine where you can best make improvements.
To truly be useful, you’ll need to conduct your audit over a period of several weeks. But while you are waiting, there are some other things listed below that you can put into practice right away.
#2. Create a To-Do List
There’s something about having a list that makes people feel more focused. There’s also a great deal of satisfaction involved with crossing things off of your to-do list. Whether it’s an old-fashioned paper list or a smartphone app, having a checklist will ensure you make efficient use of your time and feel less overwhelmed.
#3. Establish Priorities
Many recruiters seemingly have a nearly endless to-do list. What happens if yours is too long and you can’t possibly accomplish everything on it? In that case, you’ll need to establish priorities. Setting priorities will eliminate stress by ensuring the most important items are attended to first.
A popular method of setting priorities involves using the Eisenhower Matrix. Developed by our 34th President, it generally involves sifting the items on your to-do list into “quadrants” based on their urgency. Those quadrants and their urgencies are as follows:
- #1-Do First items, which include high-priority tasks as well as those with a very short deadline
- #2. Schedule items, or those that can be scheduled or put off until later
- #3. Tasks you can delegate to others
- #4. Things that don’t actually need to be done at all
#4. Schedule Activities in Blocks of Time
Set aside time each day to work on certain activities. Whenever possible, schedule the hardest or most difficult tasks for the times when you are most productive. For example, you may wish to screen candidate applications during the morning or set interviews for right after lunch.
#5. Handle Items Only Once
Whether it’s emails, resumes, or paperwork, you should always establish a system that allows you to handle each item only one time. For example, after reading an email you should either delete it or move it to a designated folder. Another way is to set up “in” and “out” letter trays on your desk. Once you take a document from the in box, take action on it right away so that you can immediately move it to the “out” box.
By handling everything only one time, you’ll save money and gain control of clutter. In turn, managing clutter will help you save time while also providing you with greater mental clarity.
Take Full Advantage of Outsourcing
Any good recruiter knows that it’s impossible to do everything yourself. So after you have made your to-do list, established priorities, and scheduled necessary tasks, you should then consider other ways to streamline your activities. That includes outsourcing to other agencies such as Abel HR whenever possible. If you’re struggling to get everything done, give us a call to discuss ways in which we can help.
