Blog Post

Connecting & Networking With the Candidates

Networking is more about 'farming' than it is about 'hunting' . It's about cultivating relationships. Dr. Ivan Misner

Most recruiters today believe that recruiting is a candidate-driven process. As such maintaining a good relationship with the candidates becomes important. Frantically calling candidates to line them up for interviews and forgetting them later does not go a long way. Think in terms of a long haul and foster a good relationship with your candidates. In the process, you will build a strong talent pool, which is a recruiter’s vital asset in a world of cut-throat competition. But relationships cannot be built overnight; they need to be nurtured.

Trust – The Foundation of a Relationship

All relationship bonds are built on trust. Without it, you have nothing .

No matter how hard you try, no relationship can exist without a trust factor. So talk to your candidates to build trust and allow them to confide in you. Apart from technical questions ask personal questions too. Try to understand their need - why they want a change, what are their expectations and so on. Above all lend them a hearing ear so that they can share their concerns with you. Be genuine and considerate enough to work as a counselor for them. Help them choose the option that best suits their career path.

Also, do not refrain from sharing your own experiences and certain personal details when it comes to mutual fields of interest. This will lead to an interesting and candid communication.

Transparency is the Key

From the very onset be transparent about the job you are discussing. Provide an idea about the salary, job location, whether it is a permanent or contractual job and any other relevant information. Nothing should come as a shock to the candidate later.

Make it a point to keep the candidates updated throughout the entire interview process. Give them a feedback of their interview even if they are not selected.

Be Responsive

Recruiters always have to work on a war footing. But within your hectic schedule, it is important to respond to candidate’s phone calls and answer their queries. At the same time, make it a habit of picking unknown calls too. You never know what a simple call may have in store for you. In case you miss a call, you can always call back. Avoiding calls is the biggest reason that irks candidates and breeds negativity.

Friendly Calls, Appreciating Words

Build bridges instead of walls in relationships. Apart from requisition calls, go for calls to simply reach out to your candidates. Send them e-mailers on a regular basis. Get to know their current position, share industry-relevant information and bond.

At times, extol the candidates for their achievements. Also, when you need to nderstand some technical aspect at which your candidate is an expert, do not shy away from asking them. This will make them feel appreciated.

Furthermore, value the candidate’s time and irrespective of whether they are selected or not, be respectful towards them. They are not mere numbers, but valuable assets for you. Speak to every candidate as the most important candidate.

Bonding through Networking

Most recruiters are today leveraging the benefits of social media platforms. But to reach out to your candidates you need to cover an extra mile. Everyday spending at least 15 minutes on social media sites to share information on industry trends, flourishing jobs, salary research and more can go a long way. Share interesting content on blogs or your online profiles. Remember to retweet or respond to comments and advice.

Give Value-Added Consultation

You will often come across candidates who do not meet your job specifications. Usher them with valuable advice like creating a profile on Linkedin, updating their resume regularly, developing certain skill sets and more. Discuss their career graph and work cohesively. Assure them that you will touch base very soon with other suitable openings.

So, join the bandwagon of recruiters who care for the candidates and forge a long-time relationship. Your Network ; is your NET WORTH !

By Sarla Sharma

Pioneer Management Consultant Pvt Ltd

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