With applications to sort, interviews to book, and campus visits to coordinate, recruiters have to balance a lot of competing priorities. Multitasking is often seen as the key to tackling a loaded to-do list, but this approach has its downsides. While dividing your attention might help you complete tasks faster, the quality of your work could suffer.

This is where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness is the practice of being focused in the present moment and it can have real advantages for recruiters looking to reduce stress and increase productivity. In fact, a 2011 study found that individuals who had completed an eight-week mindfulness course showed improved memory and concentration.

Ready to become a mindful recruiter? Here are 5 simple ways to get started!

1. Do one thing at a time

This tip might seem a little old-fashioned for the fast-paced life of a recruiter, but it can be egg-cellent for improving focus. For example, the next time you’re on the phone with a candidate or coworker, resist the urge to multitask by checking your phone or your to-do list. Instead, ditch the distractions and really focus on the call. Doing one thing at a time will help you better retain information and reduce the time wasted from task-switching.

2. Listen attentively

Sometimes, recruiters treat candidate interviews like Q&A sessions, sticking to a list of prepared questions and firing them off one after the other. As an alternative, try creating a more general “road map” of areas you want to cover in the interview. This will help you focus on your candidate’s responses and create an open and conversational dialogue between you and your interviewee.

3. Put space in your day

How often do you schedule calls and meetings back-to-back to save time, only to end up completely exhausted by the final interaction? To make end-of-day burnout a thing of the past, put some space between your daily appointments – even an extra 10 minutes can make a huge difference! Use the time to gather your thoughts, take a few deep breaths, and mentally prepare for the task ahead.

4. Change your surroundings

Whether you’re in the office or at a career fair, being in the same location all day can make you feel physically and mentally stuck. To recharge your recruiting efforts, take a few moments to change your surroundings. Whether it’s a walk outside or a quick roam through the hallways of your building, the new scenery will stimulate your senses so you’ll be relaxed and ready to connect with your potential candidates.

5. Reflect on your accomplishments

Finding the perfect candidate is no easy task, so take a little time to celebrate your achievements! Often we focus too much on the negative – work we didn’t finish or mistakes we’ve made. Celebrating your successes, even the little ones, can help put everything in perspective and end the workday on a positive note.

Discussion: Do you make an effort to be mindful during the workday? 

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