How to Build a Recruitment Network Even While Working from Home

Categories: Recruitment Advice, Trends and Learning


Working from home is both a blessing and a curse to recruitment professionals. On the one hand, you’re able to see your family every day, but on the other, you’re limited in your ability to connect with colleagues to expand your network. However, working remotely does not have to be a hill to climb for recruiters. By following any of the tips below, you can continue to network with people while sitting on your couch.

Tip #1: Have the right technology

Nothing can hinder your recruitment success like a weak internet connection or broken computer camera. If you haven’t already, meet with your boss or IT support crew to talk about the tools you need to do your job remotely. As part of your job success, you need to have the right tools.

This also includes cloud based technology, a must for collaborating with your recruitment team. Cloud technology is a place where you can upload your files for access by everyone within your network. This feature is handy when you have a viable job candidate and you’re setting up interviews with other individuals in your organization.

Another necessary collaboration tool is a place to communicate with your team. You’ve probably heard of Slack and Zoom, which are useful for daily chats and meetings, but maybe you need other tools to record meeting minutes or a place for hosting confidential calls. Meet with everyone on your team to see if there’s something out there you will all need to be successful.

Tip #2: Set your work hours

Even though studies have shown that productivity can increase by 13% while working from home, do not fall into the trap of working all hours. Non-stop work can lead to burnout, which will stop you in your tracks, and lead to missing your goals. So one of the best ways to avoid these problems is setting up limits on the amount of time you work.

If your company doesn’t have specific work from home policies or hours, make them yourself. Although your business may be on top of conveying when you should be working, others are lax, which can cause you to work more than necessary.

When setting up your daily schedule, consider the daily meetings you attend that are crucial to recruitment success, as well as other tasks that need to be taken care of. Speak with your manager once you determine your daily schedule to ensure you are on the same page.

Remember that overworking yourself will not equal success in the long run for hiring new team members.

Tip #3: Use existing recruiter communities

Social media sites are not just a place to check a candidate’s credentials or sync up with old cohorts, it’s also a place to chat with other recruiters. LinkedIn is a great place to meet with other like-minded recruiters for brainstorming or assistance. These sites are a chance to connect with other recruiters outside of your normal contacts which can spur new ideas.

Maybe there’s a recruiting association you haven’t joined yet. Associations are a great way to meet local or international recruiters, and for development and learning opportunities. Plus, associations also a chance to have a little fun with other people. There’s digital happy hours or opportunities to meet on non-work related topics.

Tip #4: Attend virtual events

Virtual events are a substitute for face-to-face conferences. So even though you’re sitting at home, there’s hundreds of other people with you at a conference. Although they’re a bit limiting, especially if there’s no social sessions or one-on-one opportunities, they’re still vital for staying on top of trends and what other recruiters are doing to expand their networks.

Note individuals in attendance for contact on social media sites. Or if speakers share their contact information, don’t be afraid to reach out to them for advice or just to grow your personal network. Events are great opportunities to stay on top of trends and learn how other companies are overcoming their problems.

Tip #5: Get active in networking opportunities

This tip may seem superfluous but if you’ve hit a wall on networking, it’s time to go back to basics. Although it might mean more work on your end, volunteering for different opportunities will get your name and face out there. Since travel hasn’t been an option recently, this is a great substitution for it. Becoming involved in a recruitment association will help you connect with like-minded people, and expand your network.

Even though you are stuck at home, you still have the ability to network with other recruiters. By using any of the tips above, you can grow your network from the comfort of your own home.