Why do sportspeople have a high potential for success in the field of recruitment?

“I grew up playing and competing in lots of sports when I was younger, Tennis, Badminton, Martial Arts, Football, Basketball. Happy days, with lots of effort and camaraderie, many wins and a few loses along the way. I competed at European and national level until I was 21. Finding myself in the wonderful world of recruitment a few years after university. Those experiences gave me some great foundations as regards to teamwork, competitive drive, celebrating successes and learning from mistakes. As the years have passed by, I have noticed some key traits that I would like to share.”

Sportsmen and women, possess exceptional mental strength, drive, and a unique skill set, making them an asset in the recruitment industry. I have repeatedly observed that individuals who have excelled in sports also demonstrate remarkable achievements and progress in recruitment. This is why I am always eager to meet and interview such candidates. Here are three reasons why I believe keen sportspeople are well-suited for careers in recruitment:

1. Unwavering commitment: Sportspeople are accustomed to putting in extraordinary effort. They possess intrinsic motivation and a strong desire to be the best. They willingly dedicate themselves to practicing and refining their skills, while also learning from failures along the way. The same passion and motivation required for success in sports are equally applicable to recruitment or any other industry. It is an inherent characteristic of top performers.

2. Disciplined goal pursuit: It is not solely about their performance. What I find particularly noteworthy is that sportspeople are receptive to coaching. Explaining the effort, hard work, and determination needed for success in recruitment is easily understood by individuals who have experienced it in the realm of sport, it becomes second nature to them.

3. Winning mentality: Ultimately, the most successful individuals possess self-motivation and coachability. As leaders, we can create environments where individuals can nurture and express this motivation, receive support, and achieve success.

Does this mean every athlete will excel in recruitment?

I am not suggesting that individuals like Rafael Nadal or Lewis Hamilton should pursue careers in recruitment, nor is athletic prowess a prerequisite for excellence. However, based on my professional experience, I have observed a clear correlation and firmly believe that individuals with an sporting background can be moulded into exceptional performers through effective coaching.

What are your thoughts? Have you encountered similar experiences?