Howdy recruiters!
You turn up to an industry event, chat to some randoms, hand out some business cards, eat a packet sandwich, then get back to work the next day with a mountain of stuff to do that you missed the day before.
If you’re going to invest time (and possibly money) into attending an event, make it count.
Have a Clear Agenda & ROI Before You Go
- If you’re not doing at least two weeks of prep, you’re already behind. Identify potential candidates, schedule high-value conversations in advance, and map out key sessions where high-caliber talent will be. If you can’t clearly define the return on investment for your time there, why are you even going?
Think Bigger Than Just Hiring
- Your company isn’t just there for recruitment. They’re there for business development, branding, and ecosystem growth. Break out of the TA silo. Before the event, sync with marketing, sales, and DevRel to understand their goals. This way, instead of thinking “Is this person right for my specific hiring need?”, you can triage valuable people across multiple business areas.
You’re Not Just a Recruiter, You’re a Marketer
- Nobody goes to an industry event hoping to get pitched a job. Start with “What excites you in this space right now?” Build relationships, not just pipelines. The best candidates won’t be making a move today, but they might remember you in six months.
Manage Your Time (And Your Energy)
- Events are exhausting. Don’t burn out trying to be everywhere. Prioritise high-value interactions over trying to meet every single person. Travel smart, stay safe, and take time to decompress so you don’t show up to meetings looking like a Jetlagged Zombie.
Luke Update
This week I'll be in Denver for ETHDenver. If you're based in Denver come grab me for a chat!
Well... that's issue thirty eight! If you have any questions about it, or any feedback on this issue of The Data Driven Recruiter, grab me on LinkedIn for a chat.
I'll see you next week!