Use the Phone to Make Recruiter Connections

Today’s guest blogger is Liz Carey, network coordinator for NBN. NPAworldwide and NBN merged in September 2014, and our two networks are working toward a full integration effective January 1, 2016. We’re happy to have Liz on our blogging team.

One of the hats I wear at NPAworldwide is “official note-taker” on trading group conference calls, where recruiters dial-in to discuss their hot job orders and candidates. What I have noticed on these calls is that connections are made – after one recruiter describes their job order, oftentimes another recruiter will chime in “Hey, I have a candidate that I think would be a great fit for that,” or “I didn’t know you worked in that space, I’ll give you a ring after the call” or “I’m near San Antonio too, let’s meet up for lunch!”

Participating in networking calls allows recruiters the opportunity to introduce themselves, their company, their specialties and any “hot” job orders they are working on and need help on. It’s so worth it to spend 30 minutes on a call if you can come out of it with a trading partner you didn’t have before! Whether you’re a member of a formal recruitment network or have your own private network, you’ve got to invest time into maintaining those recruiter connections.

It really strikes me that many of the deals made through our network come directly from things like the networking calls or meeting face-to-face at conferences. While the advent of online recruiting and social media like LinkedIn has helped skilled recruiters do a better job, technology isn’t a magic wand that gives industry knowledge in your specialty, skill at truly evaluating candidates, or solid relationships with peers, clients and candidates. Technology is important, but it’s not the total solution. Don’t use technology to build relationships; use technology to make connections.

Recruiters are relationship-driven people, and most successful recruiters will tell you that a big part of their success comes from strong relationships that are built over time. Here are five reasons why it’s important to pick up the phone and call your peers, or meet with them face-to-face:

• Visibility. If you are out of sight you are out of mind. Make yourself known to others by attending calls or meetings.
• Relationships. Members trade with people they know. They form relationships based on familiarity.
• Real Time Hot Jobs. Find out what jobs are new and hot – calls and meetings provide great cooperative placement opportunities.
• Market Insight. You will learn what challenges and successes others in your niche are having.
• Connections. Confirm your interest in working an opening shared on a call or confirm support from a partner to help you fill an opening.

What’s your best tip for building strong relationships with your peers? Comment below!