Networking For Recruiters

There is plenty of sound advice out there for the jobseeker hoping to up their networking skills and opportunities – Ours included of course. However, networking can provide as useful for the individual recruiters and recruitment agencies alike on the lookout for the perfect person. All in all it’s a great match.

It takes so much less physical effort these days with the online social media world exploding with opportunities to connect. Not forgetting of course the fact that the recent general economic downturn has led to more creative ways of physically ‘pressing the flesh’.

The ‘Pink Slip Party’ is a now global phenomenon that started in the USA. Named after the ubiquitous ‘pink slip’ one receives when you are made unemployed in the States, it is an innovative way to bring recruiters and headhunters face to face with those on the lookout for a new job. A sort of ‘speed dating’ session for those in the career market, if you will.

The holiday season is also ripe pickings for the recruiter or headhunter. More parties and social occasions than at any other time of year mean lots of networking opportunities. We tell our job seeking readers how important it is to be out there at this time of year, and whilst no one wants to feel hassled whilst relaxing with friends or colleagues, we encourage them to share he fact that they are looking. A recruiter could find their ideal candidate least where they expect it! Don’t forget that observing potential job candidates in a less formal atmosphere gives a fuller personality profile – for better or for worse!

Here are some top networking tips for recruiters and headhunters:

Seek the Important people! - Generally, we are helpful race. People are well meaning and genuinely want to aid in the search for the ideal candidate. Unfortunately many of them are a waste of your time. If you have a relevant connection, many CEO’s or other C-class executives are happy to network with you. It’s just about building the trust and delivering what they need. The theory behind connecting to the people at the top is that, whatever our own specialism and experience, there are always other people who can help us with that which we don’t know of.

Small, but perfectly formed. - Bigger isn’t always better. Larger gatherings mean more people to network with, granted, but we all know its quality rather than quantity that matters. Volunteer groups, board meetings, special interest associations, all of theses and other intimate networking will achieve more focused and fruitful relationships, granted.

Climb out of the comfort zone. - So, you actively dislike networking? Many wouldn’t blame you, but in the profession of recruitment or headhunting, you really don’t have a choice. Find someone you know, like and respect that does, and basically, tag along with them. You’ll learn from them, they will introduce you to the people you might be too awkward to approach, and you’ll gain confidence to go it alone next time.