Trying to find more companies and professionals to work with?

Looking for the best networking tips for recruiters?

One of the most important things that an awesome recruiter needs to learn is how to communicate and network effectively. While a lot of networking can be done online these days, when it comes to networking with other professionals and finding great companies to work with, it's not enough all on its own. It's still crucial to build your social skills and master the art of meeting new people face to face.

Luckily, you've come to the right place. Below we'll give you the 4 best networking tips that will help you become a better recruiter.

1. Get Out of the Office

If you're trying to network as a recruiter, the first step is to get out of the office. While LinkedIn and other social networking sites can help with networking these days, nothing beats getting out there and meeting real people at networking events and shaking a few hands.

Chances are that there are plenty of networking events happening in your city all the time, so do your research and try to find some great ones to attend. Then, make the most of it by doing plenty of mingling once you're there.

However, just be sure that you're going to events that are truly relevant to your industry. Going to a lot of general networking events that aren't filled with people from your industry is a quick path to burnout.

2. Build a Connection First

There's a reason that many business professionals close deals over a game of golf, and that's because it's important that you don't come on too strong. You need to be first and foremost aiming to make friends and connections when you're at a networking event.

Too many recruiters come across as snake oil salesmen and scare great professionals and companies away as a result. It's best to make friends first and only talk about business once you've built up a bit of comfort. Be sure you're trying to get to know people on a personal level and that you're always listening before you speak.

3. Always Look For Ways to Provide Value

One of the best ways to win over the new people you'll meet when networking is to provide value to them first. It can be a lot of help to go into any networking environment or any social connection with a "giving mindset".

A simple but effective way to provide value to others is to connect people in your personal network with someone new you've met when given the opportunity. If you meet someone from a different industry or that you can't help on your own, consider introducing them to a friend who can. They'll appreciate this and may even end up sending some people your way later on as a result.

4. Master the Follow-Up

It's crucial that you get into the habit of following up with any connections that you make as a recruiter. You should also aim to provide value to anyone you meet when you follow up afterward.

Sending a simple email in which you tell someone that it was great to have met them and providing a few suggestions for any problems they discussed with you can make a big impact.

Instead of a simple "It was nice to have met you." aiming to provide value to them in some way or offering to help them with a problem they're facing can be a great idea. It will help you stand out among the crowd of anyone else that they may have met recently.

Final Thoughts

If you want to be a highly successful recruiter, it's important that you take the development of your social skills seriously. This is a relationship-based profession, so make sure that you use the networking tips listed above if you want to have the best chance of success.