Candidates you recruit want you to connect and follow up with them, tactfully.
Here are five tips to help you get started on the right track:
1. Deliver a business reason
Why is there a match? Make sure that you are direct and transparent about why you are reaching out to your candidate.
2. Form a connection bond
…a Common Colleague
…a Shared Passion
…an Interesting Event for Both
…a Common Hobby or Interest
This becomes your medium to build trust in your relationship.
3. Identify the personal reasons
Why would your candidate want to work with you specifically. Why would they want the opportunity that you are offering? There are plenty of recruiters out there. What makes you special? How will your prospective candidate personally gain if he or she chooses to work with you?
4. Back up your conversation with data and documentation
Always deliver data that backs up your conversation. Be honest about the strength of your relationship with your client. Show (allowable) emails that prove your relationship and the exchanges that happen between you and your client. Build your credibility.
Tell your candidate who you know, what competitive forces exist, and what obstacles might exist from you helping your candidate. Let them know if you are representing other candidates.
Definitely provide a compelling link like a job description or pamphlet on your opportunity. Give them inside information about upcoming projects at your customers site.
5. Clearly outline your action plan
Explain to your candidate what your next few steps are going to be and when he or she can expect to hear back from you. Mitigate risks in case the plan changes and explain what course of action you will take if it does. Be sure to follow up even if you don’t have any new information to share to keep them engaged. Voila!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James Chmielinski is a second generation recruiting veteran, former athlete, and founder of Veruca.io, the first ever recruiting innovations lab. His company is built from two generations of sales and recruiting experience resting on the backbone of post-millennial technology. An industry-leading, hub-spot for consulting, technology, and recruiting process design. Veruca.io aims to make life easier for professional sourcing and recruiting teams. Mr. Chmielinski’s inaugural software attracted 178 active users in 114 cities from 17 countries.
