Rule 101 for Recruiters Using LinkedIn

Like many of us, I receive many requests from recruiters to connect.

Without exception, NONE of them EVER personalise their request to connect!

Seriously, guys, you should know better.

But it gets worse. When I send them a message back, asking why they’d like to connect, they NEVER reply. Doh!

Let me just say: I build my network based on trust and integrity. I will NEVER allow you to be in that network based on your present formula for building relationships.

Recruiters, the key to success on LinkedIn is to appreciate the quality of connections over quantity. There is a common misconception that LinkedIn is the place you go when looking for a new job or that LinkedIn somehow serves as an online CV. Recruiters typically have a bad habit of taking the shortest cut and easiest route to building a large audience of prospective candidates, but without thinking through the strategy that will genuinely engage with that person.

The first step in any strategy used to engage with a prospective candidate should ALWAYS be to personalise the message that accompanies the invitation to connect.

• How can you help them?
• What can your unique skills offer them?
• How will they benefit?
• Why should they connect with YOU instead of another recruiter?

Answer the above questions in a friendly message and most people are much more likely to be included to hit ‘Accept’ and maybe even start a conversation with you.

Here at Value Exchange we offer tailored workshops to help ambitious and forward-thinking recruitment consultants who are looking to improve their outcomes by building genuine connectivity with both long and short-term hires.

Using the powerful network of LinkedIn intelligently can make the crucial difference between finding a long-lasting and successful candidate and one you regret hiring.

Contact us to find out more about our LinkedIn Workshops for recruiters.