My name is Mike Alaimo and I work with TransTech, an IT staffing firm based out of Chicago. My role is to lead and manage a team of 6 highly talented recruiters. I'm posting this short blog to share my recent experience in celebrating the little victories.

In recent years, we would get frustrated by earning second place in the interview process. The normal reaction would be to sigh, and justify why the client should have hired our candidate. Now, we're looking to celebrate being in the final pool of candidates. I know it may be counterintuitive to celebrate second place (1st loser), but we see it differently. By presenting a "hirable" candidate to our client, we add value to their hiring process. It may not get us a placement this time around, but it builds on our credibility for the next opening. Not to mention all of the tips that we can apply next time we work with that hiring manager. I am normally a type "A" behavioral style that sees everything in black white. The reality is that grey is more prevalent in today's business climate and we simply have to remain positive with our approach.

I happened to walk past one of my recruiter's desk and I noticed a decorative sign that was given to her by her mother. It reads; "Work like you don't need the money, dance like nobody is watching, and love like you have never been hurt"....kind of corny but true! When you get into a rut or find yourself thinking negative thoughts, squash them and visualize success. Try to focus your day on the one or two things that were most productive that day. For example, conditionally closing a candidate, or conducting the best interview prep of your career or nailing down an elusive referral that is “A” quality. Try focusing in on the things that are going well and let the rest go. You will feel better immediately and start having fun again. As you are working through the challenges of today's business jungle, remember to celebrate the little victories and keep having fun. After all, this is still a game, right? By the way, we just closed a deal this morning! Yee hah!