Communications is one of the primary functions a recruiter must fulfill. The content, delivery, and timing of each message you send can work to further your goals or hinder them. How do you package your messages to maximize their impact? What qualities of your interaction keep people engaged? Top recruiters use communication as a strategic tool to lend them a competitive edge. Taking the time to continually develop your abilities can pay dividends for your career. Invest in this skill as one of your most valued assets.

For recruiters, the goal of communication is to not only transmit information, but also to persuade. Recruiters don't always have a ready, attentive audience to work with. We must often work to capture the attention of the individual we are trying to communicate with. For instance, pitching a complex job to a passive candidate takes patience, clarity, and savvy on the phone, across the web, and during face-to-face interactions. Delivering your message consistently and effectively at all touch points is key to overall success.

Achieving excellence in communications can take years to accomplish, and even then, there is still room for improvement. Even the best find new opportunities to test their abilities and hone their skills. Following are some tips for boosting your communications aptitude:

• Plan ahead. Effective communication is a tactical exercise, requiring careful forethought and execution. Before you communicate, take the time to define what you want to say and think critically about the means of delivery. Whether via email, telephone, or in person, choose the format that best ensures your message will reach its target audience.
  
  
• Customize your message. Always consider the client or candidate's perspective before engaging in dialogue. Think about your audience's limits and career objectives -- from relocation costs to personal goals -- and tweak your message accordingly. The more tailored the message, the better the chance that it will make an impact.
  
  
• Be proactive with communication. Clients want to work with a consistent, dependable recruiter who delivers information without prompting. No one likes to be left hanging -- especially an eager candidate. Make it a habit to prioritize your communications and deliver information in a timely, professional fashion.
  
  
• Be sensitive to environmental and cultural limitations. Good recruiters are always courteous and respectful of others. If you're leaving a message at a candidate's workplace, be mindful of the lack of privacy. Likewise, be aware of diversity and try your best to accommodate cultural preferences.
  
  
• Develop your own style. Originality and sincerity are the hallmarks of communications excellence. Don't get too bogged down in scripts and planning that you sacrifice spontaneity. Being too stiff and rehearsed in conversation can appear unnatural and be a turn-off to your audience.

Good communication not only conveys information, but establishes a connection. When both parties feel comfortable, open, cooperative dialogue usually ensues. Making that connection can be a challenge, however, experience exposes the recruiter to a plethora of situations in which to develop and polish their skills. Think critically about how others perceive your communications style and always work to improve your skills. At the end of the day, the better you communicate the more likely you are to succeed.

Recruiters World Special Reports is a timely, in-depth news series that explores vital issues and trends affecting the human-capital industry. Published monthly, Recruiters World Special Reports is presented and distributed exclusively through Recruiters World in Review. Visit the Special Reports archive to read previous articles. Watch for new articles as they appear on the Recruiters World home page.