4 Useful Tips for a Contract Recruiter
Published: 17/04/2021
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This article is aimed at recruitment managers and executives who focus on supplying contracted workers. Digital transformation in recruitment has created numerous opportunities to accelerate growth for both parties. The tips in this blog are designed to build and maintain relationships with contract workers, fostering mutually beneficial, long-term partnerships.
Contract recruitment can be highly competitive. Therefore, recruiters face constant pressure to place contractors quickly and efficiently. A significant part of your success as a contract recruiter relies on the quality of communication you provide.
We aren’t just discussing conversational skills. A valuable communication experience is built by being organised, responsive, helpful, resourceful, and attentive to detail. This can be challenging; that's why adopting technology to assist you is essential.
Contractor recruiters are often overlooked, even within the industry. As a result, there aren’t many tips specifically aimed at them. However, we have a couple to share. Here are our top practices:
Building and nurturing relationships with contractors;
Working with other industry specialists;
Automating where possible;
Staying organised.
Let’s explore each of them in greater detail.
Good relationships with a broad network of contractors are essential for success in contract recruitment. You must be attentive and maintain contact with individuals through phone conversations and networking events. Contractors are not merely individuals who take on contracts; they also possess a wealth of knowledge and insight into the industry. If they value you enough, they can provide valuable market information.
When working with contractors, you shouldn’t rely too heavily on recruitment through social media and job ads. The truth is that this approach will only take you so far. The pool of contacts you know to be reliable and professional, however, is like gold dust. Keep up with people and maintain relationships to stay ahead.
A good practice for maintaining contact without being overly persistent is to begin using a CRM platform. This way, you can easily set up automated email notifications to inform contractors when a relevant opportunity arises. Provide them with a way to indicate whether they are interested, and if they are, follow up accordingly.
It can be a horrible feeling to realise that all your usual clients are experiencing a quiet period and do not require your services for some time. How do you bring in new clients to fill the gap? Again, your network is a great point of contact. Contractors and colleagues may have valuable tips about industry players who are looking to recruit. They may even be able to make an introduction for you if you ask nicely.
Old-fashioned market mapping illustrates how having a large, diverse network can be very helpful. When you identify the company you want to reach out to, a broader list of contacts increases your chances of knowing someone with connections in that organisation. Confirm with them whether the company of interest would benefit from your services. If so, all you need to do is ask to be introduced.
LinkedIn automation tools like Expandi can significantly help you maintain relationships within your network. Set it to send a message or two each day to 10 contacts you haven't spoken to in months. This way, you will stay in touch and strengthen your professional relationships.
LinkedIn is not the only platform where you can utilise automation to build relationships. For example, you can streamline processes that alleviate the burden of administrative tasks for contractors, like invoicing. This saves their valuable time and can foster loyalty and goodwill in the future.
The processes we recommend automating are billing and payroll. We have designed our Recruitment edition to assist you with just that. It is a centralised platform for online timesheets, online expenses, client invoicing, pay, document signing, document management, and much more. All of this can save contractors a great deal of back-office hassle.
The streamlined service offered by Timesheet Portal can cultivate strong relationships with your contractors, increasing the likelihood that they will return to you in the future.
Being an effective recruitment agent means understanding your clients' needs as well as your contractors' offerings. You need a clear picture of availability and terms. With this knowledge, you can secure deals as quickly as possible.
For example, if a client calls to discuss a project, you are more likely to secure the work if you have a prepared list of contractors. The process will be even quicker if you have their availability and recent CVs with references on hand.
If you’re discussing an opportunity with contractors, you will make better progress by informing them of pay rates and start dates. You want to avoid the vague period when you say you’ll check and get back to someone. This leaves the door wide open for a competitor.
Effective administration will enhance your success. The best way to stay organised is to keep all your documentation in one accessible place.
Our recruitment solution features a centralised document management platform. It is excellent for storing relevant contractor information, such as copies of their documents and past invoices, and it’s always right at your fingertips.
A good contract recruiter must never forget that, at the end of the day, they are working with people. A trust-driven relationship begins with empathy and a genuine interest in providing value to the other party.
By consistently remaining relevant and helpful, you will build long-lasting connections with your contacts and clients. Although this is not an easy task, you don’t have to bear it all alone. Technology is on your side.
Are you interested in how our software can assist you in building and sustaining work relationships? Sign up for a free trial to discover it for yourself.