2015 will certainly be an interesting year to be working in recruitment. We are in my current company talking a lot about best practices and finding more effective ways to connect with our clients and candidates.

“Networking”. It was a just word before I start working here. Before I understand that working in recruitment was not simply signing in to a job board and call people randomly. But those two years here have certainly taught me a lot of things.

I have spent of good part of those two years asking a lot to my network. And by network I mean people I have spoken with two or three times.

“Do you know anyone in your network with the same skill-set?”

“Have you heard about this project? Do you know the project manager?” “Could you recommend me someone?”

It kind of hit me during last year. I went the extra mile with a candidate who, before I even asked, gave me loads of very valuable information.

Why? Because I took the time to give him a proper description of the job (no, I don’t mean sending a job spec), a proper understanding of what he could expect in terms of salary, to give him advice on her CV, helped her to work on his English skills (candidate being French…), followed up on every stages of the interview process until offer acceptance.

And one morning it was there, in my inbox. People she thought I should speak to, leads, market info and even a Linkedin recommendation. Yep. Jackpot on a Tuesday morning.

Let’s be honest, you knew this before but you are too busy, shy or even lazy to do it.
It’s over now. Don’t be afraid. And repeat after me:

“The currency for networking is generosity, you have to give twice what you will get !” One more time. Good.

Most times, doing your job professionally will be enough. Sometimes, you will have to go the extra mile (Relocating people is a great moment to show good will!) Sometimes, yes, sometimes it will mean to tell your candidate to send their CV in a company you don’t work with.
What? Placement for free? Am I kidding?

I think it all depends what currency we are talking about. And it’s time that us recruiters acknowledge the fact that building a real relationship with a candidate can bring much more than a quick placement.

In 2015 it will take more than Linkedin to connect with your pool of talent. More recruiters will be hired and the competition will get tougher. And you will, more than ever, have to give more and to get some.

More coming soon (hopefully) on The Sourcing Crowd
https://thesourcingcrowd.wordpress.com/