Understanding the Sunday Scaries
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill
Recruiters often face a unique set of challenges as the workweek looms. The pressure from hiring managers and self-imposed pressure to fill difficult positions can elevate fears of potential difficult conversations and endless amounts of sourcing. This can lead to a restless Sunday night filled with worries, not just about the upcoming workload but also about the possibility of a new hire not showing up after all your hard work. However, with the right strategies, these scaries can be mitigated to some extent.
Acceptance and Planning
Embrace the Inevitable Monday
"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." – Charles R. Swindoll
Accept that Monday will come, along with all its routines and responsibilities. Embracing this fact is your first step in overcoming the Sunday Scaries.
Strategic Week Planning
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." – Benjamin Franklin
Allocate time on Friday afternoon, Saturday, or Sunday evening to outline your week ahead. This proactive approach can give you a sense of control and significantly reduce stress levels. As part of this planning, consider potential scenarios like a new hire ghosting and how you would handle them, so you're not caught off guard.
Facing the Fear of Ghosting
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
The anticipation of a no-show by a new hire can indeed overshadow the excitement of a successful placement. It’s a phenomenon that has become increasingly common in the volatile job market, leaving recruiters on edge as the workweek approaches.
Proactive Preparation
Expect the unexpected. Understanding the reality of ghosting can help you prepare contingency plans, ensuring that one setback doesn't derail your entire week.
Organized Approach
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." – Abraham Lincoln
Use your Friday afternoon review to go over your candidate pipeline and solidify backup plans. This readiness can alleviate the fear of being caught off-guard.
Fostering Communication
"Communication is the most important skill any leader can possess." – Richard Branson
A simple check-in with your new hire over the weekend can provide mutual reassurance and reduce the likelihood of ghosting.
Setting Realistic Goals
Aim for Progress
"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." – Vince Lombardi
Understand that not every week will be flawless. Aim for progress, not perfection. If a new hire does ghost, it's not a reflection of your abilities but rather a reality of the current job market.
Prioritize Personal Time
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." – Anne Lamott
Self-care is crucial. Whether it’s a book, exercise, or simply relaxing on the couch, taking time for yourself can rejuvenate your spirit and prepare you to face the week, come what may.
Finding Support
The Power of Community
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller
Remember, the TA community shares your experiences. Don't hesitate to seek peer support when the Sunday Scaries strike. Knowing that others understand your situation can provide a great deal of comfort.
Recap
The Sunday Scaries are a common experience for recruiters, but they don’t have to ruin your weekend. By accepting the inevitable, planning strategically, preparing for the unexpected, and fostering communication, you can mitigate these anxieties and start your week on the right foot. And if a setback occurs, remember to treat it as a learning experience, knowing you have the strength and support to bounce back.
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