There are a million blog posts describing all the characteristics of bad recruiters - trust me, I'm well aware. I constantly battle this perspective when working with candidates for the first time. So what does it take to be great? I mean really great, not just above average. Let's face it - average is still not a place any recruiter wants to be. The TL;DR of it is this: Create a great experience from start to finish. This should apply to the way you work with candidates and the teams you support. Do what's best for the candidate and your teams. Changing jobs is one of the most stressful events of a person's life. Don't forget that this is a matchmaking process meant to find the right person for the long run. Be honest and responsive. Searching for a job can be as stressful as starting a new one. You're busy, I get it. So is everyone. But make it a priority to respond to anyone that reaches out to you, even if they're not a fit. And always - always