NPAworldwide recently held a conference call for members on “Making the Right Connections” in a recruiting network. Two successful members of the network were featured as panelists, and both said that it’s important to remember that trading partners can choose who they are going to work with. If you want to be at the top of the list for who other recruiters call when they need help, you better make sure you’re viewed as a good trading partner.
So what makes a good trading partner? Here’s what our panelists said:
- Easy to work with – One panelist said the exporters he likes working with best do a good job of “getting out of the way.” He likes to be the one point of contact, and when a trading partner sends him a resume, he will reach out to the candidate saying “my partner, Joe Smith, sent you over to me for XYZ position. From here on out, you’ll be dealing with me as the one point of contact.”
- Takes time to source – a good trading partner doesn’t just throw stuff at the wind, he/she takes time to look at the job description and ask questions. Pick up the phone and give your trading partner a call to get on the same page about the company’s requirements, culture, and other information not found in a job description.
- Transparency and trust – One panelist CC’s his trading partners on all emails involving his/her candidate, and when he sets up interviews, he puts it on his trading partner’s calendar. “I overload, so you know as much as I know.”
- Understand the word no – “Give me good candidates. And if I say no, don’t try to sell me on somebody. I know my client and what they are looking for. I’m not just saying no because I’m mean, I’m trying not to waste my time and my client’s time. I take time to read the resume you send me, and I’ll give feedback – I say I don’t think he’s a fit because A, B, C.”
- Giving feedback – “If I send a resume and you say ‘pass’ without giving a reason, or worse yet, don’t respond, I’m more likely to not work for you. Even if you say ‘nice try, but this guy isn’t it,’ it shows that you value my efforts, and I’m going to prioritize your job.”
Everyone in a recruiting network is there to make money. But it takes time to go through specialty groups and figure out who you’re aligned with. Make it a part of your everyday practice to get your name out there and build relationships with people. The key to success is finding like-minded trading partners who you can build rapport and a relationship with.
