When George R.R. Martin wrote the Game of Thrones series, it’s unlikely that he had the recruitment industry in mind. However, when you look beyond the gruesome battles, great armies and mythical dragons, you’ll see a host of lessons recruiters can take on board to enhance their attitude and approach.

In tribute to the shocking finale, we’ve dived into the world of Westeros, to give you recruitment lessons that we can learn from the iconic Game of Thrones series.

1. Never underestimate yourself. 

For those who have followed since the start, you’ll be familiar with the phrase, ‘You know nothing, Jon Snow’. Even with a lack of experience, Jon works his way through the ranks, from the black sheep of his family, to Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Snow is not only brave, clever and quick on his feet, but he follows his instincts – a quality every successful recruiter should have. 

By following in Snow’s footsteps, recruiters will be able to overcome the unpredictable nature of recruitment. Tackle the non-successful days by thinking on your feet, being resilient and never underestimating your ability and most importantly, trust your instincts.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

After Bran’s ‘tumble’ in the first episode, the boy who cannot walk discovers his magical abilities after being closely mentored. Coming from a weak position, coaching unveils a wealth of knowledge and abilities that have always been there, ready to surface.  

Taking advantage of training in or outside the workplace will provide you with invaluable progression. Speak to your peers and colleagues, they’ll provide you excellent support and advice as your progress your career. You should never be ashamed of asking for help. At Austin Fraser, we provide consultants with full career plan, as well as additional support from our Learning and Development team. We believe that staff shouldn’t leave from a lack of opportunity.  

3. Stay focused at the job at hand.

There is a superlative scene in ‘The Mountain and the Viper’ episode where Prince Oberyn and the giant-like figure Ser Gregor fight to the death. A lapse of concentration sees a shocking and brutal end to the prince.

Recruiters can take away one simple lesson from this – Stay alert and ensure that all stages are completed before taking your eye off the process. Attention to detail and commitment at all stages of the recruitment cycle are vital in order to prevent unnecessary issues and setbacks through carelessness.

4. Offer a solution, not a need.

Daenerys has proved her natural leadership by getting the most out of people. By providing her army of slaves, the ‘Unsullied’, with a choice of following her rather than forcing them into slavery, their allegiance to her is stronger.

Any recruiter that can replace a ‘need’ with a ‘choice’ will outperform their competitors. This can be addressed in the way that consultants talk to their existing or potential candidates and clients. Those who can provide a constructive, consultative and personalised solution, rather than pushing their way into a sale, will succeed.

At Austin Fraser, everything about the way we conduct business has a client or candidate at heart. We develop our consultants from day to be the best with comprehensive and experienced Learning and Development team. Even though Game of Thrones won’t be back on our screens for another year, there is no time like the present to claim your right to the iron throne.

Austin Fraser is an award winning, specialist IT and Engineering recruiter who specialise in sourcing specialists. It's our mission to break the perception of 'stereotypical recruiters' and demonstrate that recruitment, when done well, is an excellent and consultative process. 

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