Online networking and the future of recruitment
- Jo-Anne Hui
- 5 November 2009
Photo credit: bobrusk, sxc.hu
As Claire Monahan, founder of Rent a Recruiter says: "Gone are the days when the best way was putting an ad in the Sydney Morning Herald and hoping for the best. Now we have to be a lot more proactive to look for talent, even with the increased candidate market because of the economic downturn."
"It's still a battle for the best team members and normally, they're still in employment, so you have to reach out and connect to them, rather than expect them to come to you. Technology has had an enormous impact, particularly in the couple of years, in terms of sourcing the best talent for our clients."
"Gone are the days when the best way was putting an ad in the Sydney Morning Herald and hoping for the best."
Monahan has worked in the recruitment industry for 12 years and now, when she is on the hunt for new talent, the first step she takes is to log onto LinkedIn. Dynamic and interactive, the site makes it easy for users to connect with other individuals either by sending them invitations or tracking them down through other networks. In addition, LinkedIn has an added credibility to it, especially in terms of making recommendations, says Monahan.
Networking in the flesh
While networking at the tip of your fingers may seem quick and easy, there is no substitute for establishing chemistry and meeting them face-to-face, says Tim Parsons, co-founder of mobile community group, Mobile Monday Sydney. As Parsons explains, "people are social animals who require physical contact in order to establish the highest level of trust".
"If you're going into business or have any kind of relationship, there's a certain point where you are going to invest time, effort and potentially take on risks or obligations," he says.
According to Tony Bonney, managing director of communications marketing agency Podium Events, the best way of networking is combining an online foundation with meeting in the flesh.
"One-on-one marketing can only take you so far. But you need to understand how to then reach out and make human connections to build real trust and do business with someone over the long term," he advises. "The combination of on-line to form the initial connection, the one-on-one to form a deeper connection is the winning combination."
A traditional take
However, Buisiness Networks International (BNI), which has been running for 24 years, has not changed its methods of running networking events since it first began. BNI is the largest referral based business in the world and according to executive director Robert Greenup, it continues to grow exponentially. He adds that while the rise of online networking has increased awareness around the importance of networking, "it definitely hasn't detracted from what we're doing".
Bonney on the other hand, is skeptical of traditional networking events and finds them of little value in terms of building relationships. He describes them as adopting a "survival of the fittest" approach in almost every case.
"I have not ever seen a great use of the combination of collected on line data and a live networking event. Not ever. You are invariably in a room with other people that share your skill set (e.g. you are at a marketing conference with other marketers) or an industry segment (e.g. providers to sport all at a football conference) competing for space for yourself and/or your product and service. No one is listening because everyone is waiting for their time to speak," he says.
Mix-and-match
Monahan suggests job seekers select several different methods of networking in order to find new opportunities.
"At the end of the day, when you're looking for a new role, you really do have to treat it as a job," she says. "For example, if you were looking for a career change or a new opportunity, think carefully about what you want to achieve, such as the types of businesses you're interested in and do your research. Sometimes they advertise themselves, or on sites they've found via Facebook or Myspace. Or literally pick up the phone and speaking to an HR manager to find out about what opportunities available."
