Sometimes research seems to be contradictory.

I recently read a recruiting study that found that 86% of individuals plan to stay in their current job for six months or more.

And yet, the same study revealed that almost 90% of workers are open to new opportunities whilst being employed.

What does this tell us?

It reminds us that recruiting inertia is real, but your recruiting prospects are always looking for something a little better.

This hope for something better is nearly universal, and it’s the weak spot in the defenses of every recruiting prospect.

As a recruiter and hiring manager, you should frequently remind yourself of this paradox.

Before reaching out to a new prospect, writing a following-up email to someone who doesn’t seem very interested, or performing some other unpleasant tasks in the recruiting process, say to yourself:

I know I’m going to feel some resistance, but 90% of my recruiting prospects are open to new opportunities.

This mindset will help you overcome the recruiting inertia that often holds you back.