Members of our recruitment network have been sharing tips with each other about recruiting strategies during COVID, but the content applies anytime, not just during a pandemic. On a recent NPAworldwide regional call, members discussed an article about building client relationships as well as their own methods of business development they have found success with.
Here are some tools and resources recruiters can use to build business:
- Crunchbase – gives access to information on companies and funding and you can use it to identify potential clients in growth mode.
- Search Layoff directories, or subscribe to a layoff alert page, to keep abreast of people who have been laid off and companies that have laid off. After all, those companies will likely need to hire back.
- Take advantage of the tools you have and spend money on. Sometimes we get so caught up in advanced sourcing methods, and forget to do the simple things that can yield quick results. For example…
- Set up alerts on LinkedIn for when a company posts a new job – you can do this with prospects, past clients, etc.
- LinkedIn’s #readytowork and #opentowork hashtags, and the #OpenToWork photo frame, can be used so you know who is open to new opportunities – help connect them! LinkedIn has also added a new “Offer Help” option on posts, to enable members to share with their networks that they’re open to providing assistance.
- Join a Resume Review Facebook group , which helps jobseekers with free resume reviews, and gives you the opportunity to give back and build relationships by being a mentor/reviewer.
- Utilize Reddit – the news/discussion website that has niche communities devoted to recruiting (https://www.reddit.com/r/recruiting/ or https://www.reddit.com/r/Recruitment/). This is a great way to pick the brains of other recruiters and ask questions or get advice.
- Bret Feig’s start.me page has a huge catalog of resources including trainings, resume groups, layoff lists, hiring lists, and more.
- Look local – join your local Chamber of Commerce or business organizations to expand your network, and look through real estate transactions to see what companies are leasing out, to find companies that are growing.
No matter what tools or platform you use, it’s important that your communication and reach-outs are effective. Here are tips from our members on how to build good relationships:
- Whether you’re dealing with a client/company, or candidates, or a trading partner, communication is so important. Stay in touch – even if it’s not about business… just saying ‘how are you, how are you coming with things’ etc., or send them a newsletter / relevant articles.
- Double check with clients what they expect to happen next year.
- Keep in touch with candidates – anyone who gets a new job, press them to find out who the hiring person is in this area, that area, etc.
- There is no substitute for getting on the phone and telling potential clients and candidates who you are. They are getting bombarded with emails and inMail, so if you can get them on the phone and build up credibility in the first 30 seconds, you’re in.
What business development and client relationship development strategies work for you?