How to network with recruiters (HR)? What's the difference between networking with HR people and networking with bankers?

Hi guys,

I have a few questions about networking with recruiters. Last week I was networking with my fellow alumni, and he suggested me to contact the recruiters at his firm and gave me the contact information. I'm wondering how to network with recruiters. Should I set up a time to speak with them on the phone? What should I write in Email? What is the best time to network with recruiters? (a few weeks before the recruiting?)
What's the difference between networking with HR people and networking with bankers?

Thank you guys in advance!

 

^ so true

In my experience, HR will just keep note of you as an applicant, and you hope they'll consider you if something opens up. Might be best to somehow ask the alumnus to personally give your resume to HR to set up an interview (not sure how to do that & whether or not asking the alumnus to do that is too forward of you)

 
Best Response

Well what would work is you write a polite note to the HR - stating ..."X suggested to speak to you about potential openings at Y. Perhaps a quick five minute chat to understand would help you guide my application to the right place. Thank you."

Usually when I get referred by a main contact, they take it seriously, especially if its a senior person. So try it...and of course follow up with HR as well.

I have obtained many interviews this way.

S

 
Funniest

HR is typically worthless, but they CAN get your resume to someone's desk. I would spend much time on them, but it can't hurt. Besides, HR girls are usually hot, so if nothing else......

Get busy living
 

Speaking from my personal experience: Networking with HR is just the same as networking with management; although it depends how receptive the person on the end is. Are they genuinely interested in you? Do they want to learn more about your background? You have to play this by ear. If they're receptive, you're in. After all, HR is the initial gatekeeper, so having someone that remembers you when they see your application is definitely a plus. You want them to put a face to a piece of paper. It only helps.

This worked well for me when I went through first rounds for my first summer internship. The HR Manager and I had an excellent phone interview with a casual feel and I continued to express my interest in the position via a thank-you email and other emails inquiring about the culture/job at hand etc. This went on for 8 weeks because they had a god awful recruiting process at the time but like I said I still kept the relationship warm. The Manager informed me that I did not make the cut and spieled the usual saying that I should apply again in the future etc. I crafted an email to her thanking her for the opportunity/how awesome the xyz bank was/wishing the chosen candidate much success. After a week went by she contacted me and said they have another position for me. I've kept in contact with her since through OCR events and casual LinkedIn messages and I have been offered other interviews but have declined for other positions more aligned with my career interests.

All in all.. It's kind of like dating.

 

I would say that when you are talking with HR they are kinda getting a feel for your skillset and seeing what jobs you would be a fit for and keep you in mind for potential positions. I have a HR contact a BB and whenever he's in charge of getting candidates for a position and he thinks I may be interested, he shoots me an email. Also HR obviously doesnt have as much pull as an associate/VP in charge of interviewing candidates but they can be very helpful in actually getting your resume looked at instead which is better than when you submit it through the black whole that is their careers website. Not sure if theres any difference in how you would approach networking though (aside from the type of questions you ask), overall you want to express your interests in the firm and why you would be a strong candidate.

 

HR can't hire you right out, but they are very useful for fitting you against vacancies in a company, this is helpful if you are open for multiple positions in different divisions. They can also introduce you to hiring managers in specific positions you might be interested in. I would say networking with HR is like shotgun networking ... you dont have a specific goal to achieve but it will help you in a general, probabilistic kind of way.

 

If you are a non-target and few people from your school network or break into BBs, the HR alumni will have good reason to help you. You might be able to ask them to meet in person and go from there.

Otherwise, I think you just ask the standard "what is the recruiting process", "how can I stand out", "what's the culture like" questions.

 

aspiringmonkey: shut up. you are clueless.

tm11: e-mail (keep it brief) and introduce yourself. end by saying you will follow up in a couple of days/a day/ whatever. That way when you call he/she will expect it...have time to find out if you are legit w/ your contact... etc.

good luck.

 
Hank_Paulson:
aspiringmonkey: shut up. you are clueless.

tm11: e-mail (keep it brief) and introduce yourself. end by saying you will follow up in a couple of days/a day/ whatever. That way when you call he/she will expect it...have time to find out if you are legit w/ your contact... etc.

good luck.

clueless huh? I didn't know I gave any advice or any information by asking a question.

get off my nuts.

 
Hank_Paulson:

tm11: e-mail (keep it brief) and introduce yourself. end by saying you will follow up in a couple of days/a day/ whatever. That way when you call he/she will expect it...have time to find out if you are legit w/ your contact... etc.

good luck.

Good advice

 

BO will be a waste of time. HR maybe, as someone there may get you though some sort of initial resume screen or something...

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

BO definitely not worth your time. HR can be worth it, especially if you can work your way up to a SA Program Manager or something like that

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”
 

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