How to break open a new market in recruitment - (inch wide mile deep)

Breaking into a new niche and market in recruitment requires a combination of research, planning, and relationship-building. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success and build a thriving recruitment business or desk in a new niche or market.

Specialising in a niche is one sure way to stand out in a crowded market. We’re not saying you can’t be successful as a generalist, but carving out a recruitment niche is a proven strategy for success… if you do it right!

Do your research:

Before entering a new niche or market, it's important to thoroughly research the industry and competition. This includes identifying the key players in the market, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and determining what sets your agency or your Value Proposition apart. Bookmark industry publications and sign up for regular email newsletters to ensure you’re always up to date on the latest news and breaking stories. This will ensure your services, advice, pay scales, and more are always relevant and valuable, no matter how quickly things change in the sector.

Identify your target audience:

Determine who your ideal clients and candidates are in the new niche or market. This may involve developing buyer personas, which are fictional representations of your ideal clients, and understanding their needs, pain points, and priorities. To gain credibility with your candidates and clients, you need to show you’ve got a good understanding of the work they do. This can be easily done by looking up a few videos on YouTube and reading a few blog posts. Attend as many networking events as possible. Not only will this help improve your industry knowledge, but it’s going to connect you to so many candidates and clients.

Familiarise yourself with the industry lingo

You need to be able to hold a conversation with your candidates and clients. And that means getting to grips with their language. This could be anything from software programs, qualifications, association names, project types, coding languages, machinery etc.

Map out companies

Get to know your market. Who dominates the market? Who are the rising stars? Which companies are trying something different? Which companies should candidates run a mile from? Become a fountain of knowledge for both your clients and candidates. If something big happens in your market, you need to know about it. Make sure you’re keeping up with industry-relevant news, joining LinkedIn groups and subscribing to journals and newsletters. Once you have mapped out Companies, construct a business development plan - There is much more to business development than just working on expanding your client and candidate bases. What you really want are systems and processes that drive a steady, predictable and sustainable flow of new leads for your business, but it takes time, strategic thinking and commitment to playing the long game if you want to see these results.

Develop a marketing strategy:

Once you have identified your target audience, develop a marketing strategy that will reach them effectively. This may include creating targeted content, and building a social media presence.

Consider Starting a Newsletter

You know virtually everything there is to know in your niche, what next??Don’t keep all your valuable information to yourself! Share it with those who need it and those who have come to value your advice. Consider starting a monthly newsletter where you share this information and helpful articles with your existing clients and prospects.

While it does take a bit of effort on your part for copy and design, this one simple step can help you be seen as an expert to those who matter most to your agency. You can share insights from events you’ve recently attended, share new hiring trends you’ve read about, pass along new industry reports, and share articles or presentations you’ve recently published in the field.

Speak on Relevant Topics

Consider starting a blog on your website that your customers can come to whenever they want to keep up with the latest industry news. A blog is also a great way to attract new prospects who don’t yet know about your recruiting services.

You can also enhance your thought leadership and reputation by being a guest contributor for industry publications. Alternatively, perhaps you can become a speaker on a panel discussion or speak at industry conferences. Get your name and face out there regularly, and you’ll soon be known as an expert on the topics you speak about.

?Offer value-added services:

To differentiate yourself from the competition, consider offering value-added services such as career coaching, resume review, or interview preparation. These services can help set you apart from other recruitment agencies and attract clients and candidates to your business.

Stay flexible and adaptable:

It's important to be flexible and adaptable when entering a new niche or market. Be willing to adjust your strategy as needed based on feedback and changing market conditions.

#recruitmenttips #recruitment #recruitmentlife #recruiters #careermentor #careerdevelopment #careercoach #recruitersuccess #therecruitmentchef