Just as networking is important for job seekers, it’s equally as important for employers. Take trade shows and conferences for example; these provide perfect settings to advertise open positions at your organization and conduct onsite interviews.

 

Many conference attendees go with the intention of expanding their careers and to seek out potential opportunities. If your company or organization is already planning on exhibiting at a conference, make sure your human resources representatives or recruiters have some presence. This presence can range from a handout about the organization and a list of current job openings, to having a HR representative available, or having a computer set-up with access to your company’s career site. This additional exposure to a target audience reinforces traditional advertising methods.

 

You don’t have to travel across the country to network at a show. The digital age has brought virtual conferences and career fairs to your desktop. These provide the same benefits as a “live” conference, but with significant cost savings to your organization. The HIMSS Virtual Conference and Expo (now in its fifth year) has evolved to include a recruitment and continuing education section and HIMSS plans on holding a virtual career fair in April 2012.

 

Also, most professional associations offer regional meeting and events. I recently attended the New England HIMSS Chapter Summit where members told me about successful connections that have been made as a direct result of being actively involved at these meetings. These are perfect for sourcing talent since relocation will be less of an issue.

 

Working in a healthcare environment, particularly in IT, requires a specific skill set. Using conferences and networking events which are industry specific will only assist in reaching both active and passive (and qualified) job seekers.