In a world where snap judgments are often the norm, working in recruitment might seem like an industry where being judgmental is not just expected but necessary. After all, recruiters are paid to assess people, sifting through countless resumes and conducting numerous interviews to find the perfect candidate for a job. However, my journey in recruitment has taught me quite the opposite – it has made me far less judgmental and infinitely more understanding humans and their experiences.

When I first entered the recruitment industry, I carried the common assumption that my role would primarily involve quick, almost clinical evaluations of candidates based on their qualifications, work history, and the impressions they made during interviews. Indeed, these are crucial aspects of the job, but what I hadn’t anticipated was the profound impact that each individual’s story would have on me.  There were also the assumptions made out in daily life, an example being on my drive to work where I would often see young kids drinking big bottles of soda washing car windows at intersections.  I initially thought “where are your parents and why are they letting you out on the streets” which changed to “perhaps their parents are working a 60 or 70 hour weeks to keep a roof over their head and aren’t aware or just simply can’t keep an eye on you during the day”

Another would be people I’ve interviewed who have had big gaps on their resume, or have admitted to time spent in prison.  Through further discussion it’s often that someone has taken time of work because a family member has been ill and they’ve been required to care for them, or that they fell in with the wrong crowd and have worked hard to change their life and make better choices to allow a more successful future for themselves than they once thought was possible.

Through countless other interactions, I realised that each person and their experiences, struggles, and triumphs and not able to be seen from a quick look on the outside of by words written on a piece of paper. The quick judgments I might have made in the past were not only unfair but also a disservice to the potential within each individual. Listening to candidates' stories has shown me the importance of empathy and understanding, reminding me that everyone has unseen battles and strengths.

This transformation in my perspective has not only made me a better recruiter but also a more compassionate person. I’ve learned to approach each candidate without preconceived notions, giving them the space to share their stories and recognising the unique value they bring.

Working in recruitment, a field seemingly centred on judgment, has surprisingly made me less judgmental. It has opened my eyes to the depth and complexity of human experience, teaching me that everyone deserves to be seen and understood beyond the surface. As I continue in this profession, I carry with me the invaluable lesson that true understanding and appreciation come from looking beyond the resume and embracing the stories that make us who we are.