"nature abhors a vacuum."
-- Aristotle

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Don't work in a vacuum! Don't limit your knowledge to your own, your agency's, or even to state government. Yes — utilize all these resources. Network with recruiting colleagues at other agencies and universities in the state. After all, they have knowledge about the unique opportunities and challenges we face as employers in state government. But don't stop there. There are opportunities to network with your colleagues outside of state government.

Have you ever attended a meeting of the Raleigh-Wake Human Resources Management Association? The Triangle Society for Human Resources Management also holds frequent events. These are only two of the 16 North Carolina-based chapters of the Society for Human Resources (SHRM). If you aren't able to attend SHRM events, the internet holds a trove of resources for information and can be used for business networking. HR specialty sites such as Workforce.com, HR.com and the Society for Human Resources Management offer online communities, many of which are free to join. The International Public Management Association for HR (IPMA-HR) represents the interests of human resource professionals at the Federal, State and Local levels of government. Try social or business networking sites. For example, Linkedin has a thread specifically targeting staffing and recruiting issues. Ryze is a business networking site and Ecademy has a recruiting club. Approach social networking with caution. You can even access other states' information, starting with their counterparts to North Carolina's Office of State Personnel.

Your organization's relationships with special groups may prove to be a source of current and future employees, as well as a source for targeted recruitment. It may make sense for you to develop relationships as your organization's recruiter; or, you may learn that current employees may already have relationships with a group, association or organization and it would be appropriate to leverage that connection. For example, a current employee might be a member of a veterans' or military organization. They may appreciate hearing about your organization's mission or even about career opportunities. To find opportunities, search for organizations and interest groups. For example, try searching for "North Carolina veteran's organizations", or "North Carolina nursing". This web site contains a number of sources that you can use as well.

The benefits of networking include the ability to enhance your own knowledge, skills and abilities, the ability to improve your recruiting and HR programs, and the chance to realize economies of scale. For example, if you and another recruiter within state government combine resources and attend a job fair or develop a joint speakers bureau. Through networking you can raise your organization's profile and enhance its reputation. You might hear of new products, techniques or technologies you wouldn't otherwise know about. Or you might get an unbiased review of a technology or product that you are considering. Keep in mind that networking is effective only when there is an exchange of ideas and information. You can't expect to get something out of the network without giving something in return. However, be sure to adhere to your organization's policies on public comments and representation.

You don't have to be alone! Leverage your networking skills and find solutions to problems. Or combine your efforts with your colleagues to dream up the next, innovative practices in recruiting!