If you accept that we are being challenged to communicate in vastly different ways, then it makes sense that every person in your organisation has to be more than just an operator – they have to be a savvy recruitment operator. It starts at the top and spreads down through the organisation – and the doors will stay open for business if the team masters, shares and displays the new skill set that has pushed pro-activity into our worlds.
Just this week I spoke to a graduating class of MBA students. Deciding to run a quick straw poll I posed this question; “What level of connectedness was there within this group of 29 wired business minds?” It was fascinating to hear:
- Only 5 had a profile on LinkedIn
- Less than half were on Facebook
- 100% Blogged! (they have to because of the course content)
Now this was a group of individuals who are actively seeking to improve their chances of employment yet the message about social connection hadn’t hit home.
Ok, so time for some tangible suggestions.
The desirable skill set that will help my future pathway [notwithstanding my 50 year old mind] are:
Social Media Expertise
This is essential. This will create a competitive advantage for your business. It will also allow you to navigate the market place for the opportunities and talent on offer.
Connecting Confidence
Opportunities pop up for those that take the time to create their social network both virtually and physically. It has never been easier to have a wide social network. For highly valued recruiters, this is vital.
Network Leverage Ability
This is the ability to get to influencers using social media, email, and yes, even the good old telephone. Doing it well can be an art form… and an area of high $$$ market value when you are able to articulate your ‘reach’.
Selling Yourself
Recruiters have to be excellent at expressing their interests as well as relating to their client and candidate interests – it’s all about knowing what makes you and your team or clients different. Here the ability to write engagingly and express yourself clearly cannot be overstated. Think about the texts, blogs, emails we generate daily – written skills are in hot demand. This is about knowing how to take advantage of the opportunity when it is staring at you in the face. A minute to check, edit or make an impact in 30 seconds …can make or break a business opportunities in this day and age.
So the message? Communicate now – thoroughly and don’t be scared to be original.
Can some of this wait? In my opinion – No!
