Five reasons why Netflix Recruiters are so rebellious

I never considered myself to be the rebellious type until I joined Netflix's recruiting team almost five years ago. As I reflect on my time here, I realize how I continue to be stretched outside of my comfort zone and challenged to recruit like a rebel. While this journey hasn't been easy on me, these five approaches are what make me more committed to what I do every day and inspire me to be a better recruiter. So, what exactly do I mean by rebellious?

• We don't ask permission. When I first started at Netflix, I remember approaching my boss with questions about whether or not I could try something. One day she turned to me and said, "Stop waiting for the green light, just go." This mentality has stuck with me and spurred me to push my hiring managers to do things they aren't always open to at first. Here's a tip. If you work with engineers like I do, just say, "Let's test it. If it doesn't work, we'll learn from it and try something new." It's all about how you frame it.
• We challenge the status quo. We do this by questioning our own practices, as well as our hiring managers', and debate them. I must admit this can be intimidating at first, but the potential benefit is well worth the risk. It's pivotal we check ourselves and our partners to make sure our current approach is still adding value. My team and hiring managers depend on me to introduce a new way of thinking in favor of doing what makes the most sense.  
• We don't surrender. When searches get tough, we keep at it. We are dedicated to Netflix's mission of revolutionizing television and know the stakes are too high to give up without a fight. A low response rate, narrow talent pool, or declined offer won't stop us from doing what is best for our hiring managers and Netflix.
• We don't settle. Netflix is unique in that we don't have set timelines to fill a position. We'll keep a role open for a year (or two...) if it means holding out for the right person to do the job. Of course we operate with a sense of urgency (after all, who wants to work on the same position for a year?), but we also hold our hiring managers accountable by advising them to make a strong bet for their team. We avoid compromise and choose to hold out for the exceptional.
• We rise up - together. What I love most about all of this is I know I am never alone. I have a team of recruiters behind me who are a force to be reckoned with. They continue to challenge and support me through it all. I was once told a team is only as strong as the weakest person. At Netflix, the recruiting team is committed to developing each other, so we are all courageous enough to do the things I listed above. This is how we grow ourselves and the business.

To wrap up, you need to resist the urge to simply comply and go through the motions. This is how you fight the negative stereotypes associated with recruiters and prove you can add strategic value too. You just have to discover the rebel inside yourself.