Recapturing Your Recruiting Roots in 2025
“Wounds Heal; Scars Last”
–A Ten-Part Series–
Part Six
by
Bob Marshall
May 13th, 2025
Part Six – The Second 8: Core Qualities Every Great Recruiter Must Have
Last week, we looked at the first eight must-have traits of successful recruiters. Today, we’re diving into the next eight—these are the qualities that take a recruiter from good to truly great:
9. Empathy
Understanding both the client’s and candidate’s point of view is critical. Great recruiters get both sides and earn trust because of it.
10. A Healthy Ego
Yes, ego matters. Big billers have big confidence. I’ve seen rooms full of top producers—huge egos and somehow, they all fit! That self-belief drives results.
11. The Need to Influence
Great recruiters want to persuade. They know how to guide people to smart decisions—and they don’t back down at the first objection. They know most objections are just reactions, not real problems.
12. Listening + Positive Feedback
This job isn’t about talking—it’s about listening between the lines. The best recruiters ask smart questions, don’t rush to answer, and give positive reinforcement that keeps conversations moving forward.
13. Decisiveness
There’s no room for “maybe.” You need to be clear, direct, and able to make confident decisions on the fly.
14. Intuition
Trust your gut. Top recruiters can sense when something’s off—usually before anyone else. If it starts to smell bad, it probably already is.
15. Planning & Organization
You don’t have to love it, but over time, the best recruiters master it. Systems and structure are what allow your talent to shine.
16. Leadership
Whether it’s leading a team or just running your own desk, leadership matters. It shows up in how you take ownership, set the pace, and raise the bar.
Next week: Part Seven – The Final 6 Traits of Big Billers
Until then, keep pushing forward.
—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)