Recapturing Your Recruiting Roots in 2025
“Wounds Heal; Scars Last”
–A Ten-Part Series–
Part Two
by
Bob Marshall
April 15th, 2025
Part Two – Domestication – Part Two
“Have you become domesticated?”
Sometimes I wonder if today’s trainers have lost sight of what real recruiting is.
There’s a growing emphasis on sourcing techniques—or worse, employment agency tactics—instead of teaching the true craft of recruiting. Instead of sharpening their instincts, recruiters are told that webcam interviews are just as effective as meeting face-to-face. They’re pushed to tweet, post, build a following, blog endlessly, and cultivate an online persona—because apparently, presence has replaced performance.
The message? If you’re not constantly online, you’re falling behind.
And that’s just the beginning. Recruiters are now being told to broaden their services to include executive career counseling, résumé writing, reference checks, drug screening, relocation assistance, onboarding certifications, even outplacement services. All fee-based, of course. And if that weren’t enough, some are even charging candidates directly—something that would’ve been unthinkable not so long ago.
These aren’t just side hustles anymore. They’ve become distractions—signs of domestication.
We’re told the old ways don’t work. That the fundamentals are outdated. That picking up the phone is passé. But let’s be clear: those “old ways” are exactly what built this industry. They’re what forged real relationships, created value, and closed deals.
I have nothing against those other service lines—many are noble, valuable professions in their own right. But let’s not confuse them with recruiting.
Recruiting is its own craft. A proud, powerful one.
It’s about connection. Conversation. Courage.
It’s about picking up the phone—and using it.
Not texting. Not emailing. Not hoping someone replies to a DM.
Only real conversations build trust. Only real voices build rapport.
And rapport—the kind that makes someone like, believe, trust, and open up—is never built on keystrokes.
We are recruiters. Let’s act like it.
Next week: Part Three – What Are Recruiters – Part One
My Best,
Bob
Bob Marshall began his recruiting career over 45 years ago at MR in Reno, NV. In 1986 he established The Bob Marshall Group, International, where he has trained recruiters throughout the United States and also in the United Kingdom, Malta and Cyprus. With a dedication to executive recruiting, he continues to offer his proven training systems to individuals, firms, and private corporations both domestic and in select international territories. To learn more about his activities and descriptions of his products and services, contact him directly @770-898-5550/470-456-0386(cell); bob@themarshallplan.org; or visit his website @ www.TheMarshallPlan.org.
Bob Marshall
President
TBMG, International
247 Bryans Drive, Suite 100
McDonough, GA 30252-2513
770-898-5550
520-842-5550 (fax)