The Hidden Characteristic Most High-Performing Recruiters Share

by | Mar 27, 2026

Aaron Hurst is a pioneer in studying the connection between recruiting performance and purpose.

He’s discovered that productivity and success tend to sprout from a recruiter’s sense of purpose.

In fact, it’s one of the most common characteristics of high-performing recruiters.

Recruiting is the most social of jobs in an organization.

Recruiters spend most of their time connecting with people.

Sure, salespeople do that too, but they are selling a product or service.

Recruiters are selling relationships and culture.

They have to make people feel like they are going to be part of something bigger than themselves.

More than that, recruiters must first believe that about themselves—they have to be able to get meaning from their own work before they can help candidates find meaning in their work.

It may seem like a subtle distinction, but what you believe about yourself and your organization taints all parts of the recruiting process—for the good or for the bad.

Recruiters, therefore, have a tremendous amount of power as change agents in their companies.

And a purpose-driven recruitment culture can help create the change needed to attract more talent.

Are you a true believer?

 

The Simple Psychology of Real Estate Recruiting [2nd Edition]

Unlock the secrets of effective real estate recruiting. Revised to include actionable frameworks for sharper execution and to help you turn psychological theory into a repeatable recruiting system.

Creating Pacts to Avoid Distraction

Creating Pacts to Avoid Distraction

Notice the two parts to Nir’s formula: a pre-commitment and an external force to keep you accountable to that commitment. For recruiting setting goals and time-blocks in your schedule is not enough. Most people need some kind of external accountability, as well.

Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

It’s not that people with a growth mindset don’t experience failure—they just see failure as an opportunity to learn new things, to be challenged, and to experience curiosity. This is an important topic to cover during interviews and follow-up conversations with your prospects. If you find someone who likes being measured, you’ve likely found someone who will push through the inherent failures of growing a real estate business and experience long-term success.