Recruiter Chicks

Years ago, we built relationships through one main channel – in person meetings.  Today, more often relationships are initiated, built and nurtured electronically through the use of technology.

Building relationships has always been critical to our success in Recruiting.  Today we are building relationships through Facebook and Twitter and frequently taking conversations offline for in person, online or phone discussions.  It is a new relationship.  We are able to “meet” people before we see them and find out more about them through Google and Bing before talking to them or deciding that you’d like to build a relationship.  I must admit that it initially took me some time before I bought into the notion of the new relationship.  After attending ERE’s Social Recruiting Summit at Google headquarters in May of 2009, I saw the impact in one second right before my eyes and I dove in head first.

The new relationship is still somewhat new inside of organizations.  Organizations as a whole are still using conventional methods internally to meet and interact.  I have found in my third party experience that meeting potential colleagues and connecting with co-workers via social media prior to meeting them is extremely beneficial and shortens the relationship building ramp up time.  We recently hired a new Business Development person and I initially researched him through his social media profiles including his Twitter stream.  By looking at his timeline and the individuals he’s following, I had a good feel for his hobbies, interests and professional background prior to meeting him.  He researched me as well.  It lessened our ramp up time during the interview and now as new co-workers.

Building relationships is not all about self-promotion.  It is about honesty, respect, integrity and give and take.  The goal in building a relationship is to collaborate to reach a common goal.  This does not require a physical presence, although physical presence is icing on the cake and it’s not so awkward when it happens because you already “know” them.

When reflecting on relationships, I often think of a quote by Brian Tracy: “The glue that holds all relationships together — including the relationship between the leader and the led is trust, and trust is based on integrity.”

Embrace the new relationship!  And, keep in mind that traditional, in-person relationship building is still alive and well…

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