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Be a hustler at finding talent

Recruiting the right talent is essential for any organization. Whether you're building a startup, expanding your team, or looking for specific skills, finding the right people can be a challenging task. In this blog, I will explore how various mythological stories can offer insights into recruiting the right talent and some techniques to start talent recruitment hustle for engineering teams.

The Odyssey and the Power of Networking

One of the most famous stories from Greek mythology is The Odyssey, an epic poem that recounts the journey of Odysseus, a hero who embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War. While Odysseus is a remarkable hero in his own right, he also succeeds thanks to the help of allies and friends he makes along the way.

In recruiting, networking is one of the most important tools you can use to find the right talent. Whether you attend industry events, reach out to past colleagues or use online platforms like LinkedIn, building a network of contacts can help you find the perfect candidate. Like Odysseus, you never know who might be able to help you on your journey.

The Story of Thor and Humility

In Norse mythology, Thor is known as the god of thunder, strength, and protection. Despite his incredible abilities, Thor often exhibits a degree of humility that is surprising for a god.

In recruiting, it's essential to look for candidates who are not only talented but also humble. Humility helps people to learn and grow, to be open to feedback and to work well with others. A candidate who is willing to listen, collaborate, and take direction is likely to be a better fit for your organization than one who is solely focused on their own skills and accomplishments.

The Tale of Daedalus and Creativity

In Greek mythology, Daedalus was a brilliant inventor and craftsman who was known for his creativity and ingenuity. Daedalus was responsible for creating a wide range of complex inventions, including the famous labyrinth of King Minos.

In recruiting, creativity is a valuable skill that can set a candidate apart from the rest. Whether you're looking for someone to design a new product or come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, a candidate who is creative and innovative can be a valuable asset to your organization.

The Story of Ganesh and Adaptability

In Hindu mythology, Ganesh is the god of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings. Ganesh is also known for his adaptability, as he is often depicted with the head of an elephant, which symbolizes his ability to adapt to new situations and overcome obstacles.

In recruiting, adaptability is an essential quality to look for in candidates. The business world is constantly changing, and companies need employees who can adapt to new situations and challenges. A candidate who is open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn new things is likely to be a good fit for a rapidly evolving organization.

Recruiting for a startup can be a challenging task, especially if you don't have a dedicated recruiter on your team. However, there are steps you can take to successfully find and hire top talent without the help of a recruiter. Here are a few tips to get you started:

    Clearly define the role you are looking to fill: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the skills and experience required for the role, as well as the responsibilities and expectations. This will help you attract the right candidates and make more informed hiring decisions.
    Utilize your networks: Reach out to your professional network, including former colleagues, industry connections, and current employees, to see if they know of any qualified candidates. You can also ask your network to refer potential candidates to you.
    Use online job boards: There are many online job boards and platforms that allow you to post job openings and reach a wide pool of candidates. Some popular options include LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
    Utilize social media: Utilize your company's social media accounts to promote job openings and reach a larger pool of potential candidates. You can also engage with relevant professional groups and communities on social media to find qualified candidates.
    Consider using a recruiting agency: While a traditional recruiter may not be an option for your startup, there are recruiting agencies that specialize in working with smaller companies and can help you find and hire top talent. This may not be an option for cash strapped Startups.
    Drumbeating: Drumbeat technologies, products and culture of the startup in your personal profile and professional job groups (if they do allow). This can be seen by direct and derived networks. Remember, the key is to be proactive and utilize all of the resources at your disposal to find the right candidates for your team. With a little effort and creativity, you can successfully recruit top talent for your startup without the help of a dedicated recruiter.

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