How to Get the Most Out of Your Networking with Haseena Mooncey

Why is networking so crucial in the recruitment industry?

Networking puts you ahead of your competition and establishes you as a subject matter expert. Many recruiters say, "Oh, I'm a specialist in X market," but it's not enough just to say it, you need to be visible. 

You need to be the face of your market because people buy from people. Anyone can send email campaigns, but human connection is something that will never be replaced.

How should recruiters approach networking? What strategies have worked best for you?

Approach networking with a strategy, just as you would with business development or candidate outreach. Have a clear blueprint for before, during, and after the event:

Before the event: Be visible. Post about the event, engage with potential attendees, and send messages to let people know you’ll be there.

During the event: Focus on visibility, confidence, and making meaningful connections. Be present and actively engage with people.

After the event: Follow up consistently. Maintain frequent touchpoints so that the connections you’ve made turn into long-term relationships.

What are some common mistakes recruiters make when networking, and how can they avoid them?

One of the biggest mistakes I see is recruiters being hesitant or awkward. They stand on the sidelines, unsure of who to approach. The key is to remember that everyone at the event is there for a reason, to gain knowledge and grow their network.

Another mistake is self-doubt. Some recruiters think, "I shouldn't be here." But you absolutely should! If you're confident speaking to clients on the phone about your value, bring that same confidence to networking events. Face-to-face interactions actually make it easier, and people are less likely to dismiss you in person as opposed to through email or LinkedIn.

How can recruiters connect with the right people in their niche without coming across as intrusive or transactional?

It comes down to being personable. If you’ve built relationships beforehand, whether through social media, prior conversations, or outreach, your presence at the event won’t feel intrusive. 

Instead of approaching networking with a sales mindset, focus on being an industry professional who wants to learn and grow. That shift in approach makes all the difference.

How do you keep networking conversations natural and not too sales-focused?

Ask more questions than you answer. Show genuine interest in the other person’s work, challenges, and goals. Of course, they’ll ask about you too, but your priority should be understanding your clients and candidates better.

Not every conversation needs to be a sales pitch. That’s why follow-ups are so important; those touchpoints allow you to continue the conversation and build relationships without forcing a hard sell.

What’s the most effective way to maintain long-term relationships with both clients and candidates after the initial connection?

Follow-ups are crucial, but they should feel natural. For example:

If you’re attending another event, let your connections know: "Hey, I went to X event and thought it was great. You might be interested in this upcoming one."

Make it personal: "I’d love to come by your office to learn more about your business. Would you be open to grabbing a coffee sometime?"

Keep the touchpoints going. The more often people see your name in a valuable and relevant way, the more likely they’ll think of you when they need help.

How do you turn networking conversations into tangible outcomes like signed contracts or placed candidates?

Not every event will result in immediate job leads or contracts, and that’s okay. Networking is about playing the long game. Sometimes you’ll get lucky, maybe you sit next to a hiring manager who needs help filling a role, but most of the time, it’s about planting seeds for future opportunities.

A ‘lead’ isn’t just someone saying, "I have a role for you." It could be as simple as a contractor mentioning that their company hires frequently. Use that insight to reach out later: "I know you take on contractors; how can I be your go-to recruiter next time you’re hiring?"

By focusing on relationships rather than immediate transactions, you’ll see more long-term success.

If a recruiter could implement one change tomorrow to improve networking success, what would you recommend?

Take notes, I always have a little notebook that I take to every event. 

Unless you have an incredible memory, write down who you met, where they work, and one interesting fact about them. That personal detail, like their upcoming vacation or favourite hobby, will make your follow-ups stand out. 

When you message them later, you’ll be able to say, "Great chatting with you at the event. I hope you had an amazing time in the Bahamas!" It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference in building lasting relationships.

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter and want to put some of what you learnt into practice, then next week, we are hosting our second live podcast event of the year in Manchester.

Join us for an evening of networking and discussion on what it takes to win in 2025 - tickets can be picked up here!

If you want to hear more from Haseena, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

P.S. Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

#1: Do you listen to my podcast? I release a weekly episode with either a top-performing recruiter or recruitment entrepreneur to find out how they achieved their success so you can learn directly from their journey Check out my latest episode and subscribe to the show.

#2: Are you tired of your teams' inconsistent performances hindering your growth? Hector (All-In-One Training Platform with 120+ Practical Courses) equips your team with actionable, step-by-step training from top-performing recruiters so you can eliminate inconsistency and drive reliable results—without the need for costly external trainers >>>> Book A Free Skills Assessment Session With Me Here to see how we can help you unlock the full potential of your team.