Before all of the HIREconf fun begins in October, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing speakers and sessions that will be gracing the stage.
Mike “Batman” Cohen is the Founder of Wayne Technologies, a recruitment training and search firm with expertise in: Contract Recruiting, RPO, Contingent Recruiting, and Retained Search models. Mike has over a decade of experience placing technologists, recruiters, and business development professionals; and has conducted trainings for both Corporate and Agency Recruiters. Throughout his career he’s learned several things that he’s committed to paying forward: We can’t make it on our own – we need community, There is no “secret sauce” – we should all be sharing our skills, tips, tricks, etc., Data is extremely important, Being a good human is more important than data. He contributes articles to SourceCon, has a chair in the Program Committee with ATAP, helps run SourceHouston, and is a Brand Ambassador for ERE. And if that wasn’t enough…he also teaches indoor cycling!
We asked Batman to share some of his thoughts on recruiting, technology, and what trait all recruiters should have.
What was it about recruiting that made you decide to enter the field?
I was 21 years old, moved up to Boston (from NY) on a whim, and was looking for entry-level sales jobs. I got an interview at a tech recruiting company, and what I came in for the interview, there were a ton of young, high-energy people. The environment was exciting, people were laughing, and everyone was dressed really nicely so I figured they must be making great money. At 21 years old, that’s all I needed…
What role does technology play in your day-to-day work life?
I think you mean, “What role does your work life play in your day-to-day technology?” I am a Geek (with Nerd tendencies) so I’m obsessed with technology…the latest tools, gadgets, etc. I use technology to automate as much of my life as I can – both professionally and personally. It is pervasive throughout my workflow – email, sourcing, contact info, messaging, behavioral analytics, scheduling, feedback, data capture, etc. I think the use of technology is integral to do our jobs. I just don’t think technology should be DOING our jobs…
What do you think recruiters need to be willing to learn in order to be successful in the future?
A little bit of Psychology – but not in the vain that most people are used to – more in the area of how digital communication impacts people. I think learning how to build relationships or trust through digital means is going to be pivotal in the future of the recruitment industry. I also think learning about the time-value of money as it relates to efficiency and tooling will be key. Learning to analyze how they’re spending their time, what it’s costing them, and finding ways to automate-out the processes and tasks that are not efficient or revenue generating.
Tell us about one of the best times you’ve had when training someone. What made it so great?
I think of two things – and both aren’t specific, they’re general (happened more than once) but I absolutely love it:
What is the number one trait that you think all great recruiters have?
Curiosity. It will lead a person to not fear being wrong, to not be afraid of being uncomfortable, and to find new/better ways of doing something. Recruiting isn’t a science. There are parts of it that work scientifically (everything dealing with data), but it’s actually a gentle amalgamation of both science and art. There is no “right way” to do, it’s subjective.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Batman’s session during HIREconf 2019! You can get your ticket here so you don’t miss it!