What Dogs Can Teach Us About Recruiting and Professional Growth

Every day, I start with a walk with my dog, covering around 8,000 steps along the local trails. These moments, spent in nature, have become more than just a routine. They are a time for relaxation, reflection, and preparation for the challenges that come with recruiting. As I walk, I’ve come to realize how deeply my four-legged companion teaches me valuable lessons daily—lessons that are surprisingly applicable to my professional life.

In recruiting, where people are at the forefront, humanity is essential. It’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters amidst the daily rush, numerous conversations, and constant pressures—listening, understanding, and building genuine relationships. During my walks with my dog, I’ve learned that even in the simplest moments, there are lessons to be gleaned that can significantly impact how we approach our work.

Dogs are incredibly empathetic creatures. They don’t need words to understand how we feel. They are just there, present and ready to listen. This authenticity continually reminds me of the importance of truly listening—not just hearing. When I have a conversation with a candidate, I’m aware that it’s not enough to simply answer questions. It’s crucial to understand what lies behind the words—what the candidate truly wants, what concerns them, and what motivates them. Just as a dog senses when you need comfort or companionship, recruiters must be attuned to subtle signals and respond with compassion.

Persistence is another lesson my dog has mastered. Training a dog is no easy task—it requires time, patience, and a lot of repetition. The same applies to recruiting. Processes can be lengthy, candidates' and employers' expectations often don’t align, and at times, progress seems nonexistent. But it’s precisely in these moments that persistence becomes vital. Every candidate is a unique story, every situation different, and patience is what leads us to success. It’s not just about finding the right candidate; it’s about building a relationship and trust, which takes time and dedication.

My daily walks with my dog also remind me of the importance of taking breaks and recharging. The world of recruiting is dynamic, often stressful, and full of pressure. This is why it’s essential to carve out moments for yourself, to step away from the hustle and recharge. For me, a walk in nature is a way to disconnect, reconnect with myself, and return to work with a clearer mind. This is equally important in a professional context. Regular breaks and taking care of our own well-being allow us to stay focused, creative, and capable of making better decisions, leading to improved outcomes for both ourselves and our candidates.

Building trust is another key element that dogs excel at. Trust is something that is built gradually, through consistency and honesty. My dog trusts me because he knows I will always take care of him. The same must be true in the relationship between a recruiter and a candidate. Once trust is established, it becomes the foundation for successful collaboration. Candidates open up more when they feel that we are on their side, that we understand them, and that we act in their best interest. Trust isn’t something that comes easily, but once it’s established, it enables long-term and successful relationships.

Ultimately, it all starts with taking care of ourselves. Caring for my dog has taught me that I must first take care of myself so that I can take care of others—whether it’s my dog or the candidates I work with. The same holds true in recruiting. If we want to be truly successful and help others achieve their career goals, we must first ensure our own balance and inner peace. Walks with my dog have become more than just a routine—they are a metaphor for how I approach my work, with patience, empathy, and care.

The world of recruiting is full of challenges, but with the right approach—one that includes empathy, patience, self-care, and care for others—we can become not only better recruiters but also better people. This journey began for me over twenty years ago with my first dog, and today, I continue it with Blu, who teaches me invaluable lessons every day, which I bring into my professional life.

#career #candidates #empathy #recruiting #personalgrowth