Networking events are a great for connecting to other recruiting professionals and getting to know which companies are hiring. But if recruiters want to truly benefit from networking events they need to approach them in a way that is the most efficient and effective. Below are few tips on how recruiters can get the most out of their next networking event:

You’re Not There To Collect People

While the traditional method of networking includes a little bit of “fly by the seat of your pants” and “try to talk to everyone for at least five minutes” tactics, that can leave a recruiter drained and wondering about the point of it all.  The better approach is to avoid “collecting” contacts and instead focus on targeted contacts. Try to find out who will attend the event and then decide on a handful of people you want to meet. This list should be prioritized but also flexible.

Prepare Your Conversation

While you want to “go with the flow” in terms of conversation, you should also have some goal for each interaction.  Do you want to meet Employer A because you heard they’re hiring and want to confirm if it’s the truth?  Or, do you want to meet Employer B because you heard they just opened a new litigation practice and you think you may have some candidates they would enjoy? Whatever your goal is, make sure you tailor the conversation so that you can get the information you need.

Follow Up Immediately

The absence or delay in following up with contacts can make your networking efforts fruitless. Before you attend the networking event incorporate into your plan an allotted slot of time for follow up.  And follow up should not just include one email sent the next day; it should include an entire follow up schedule. For example, you might contact the people you met every week for a month or two or until you get the response want.