Being contacted by a recruiter can be a major moment in your career. Even if you aren’t actively job-hunting, you could be offered an exciting opportunity to advance to your next step. Knowing how to handle a recruiting inquiry can make all the difference.
What is a recruiter?
There are typically two types of recruiters. Internal recruiters are in-house employees working for a specific company. They focus on filling positions at their organization. External recruiters, on the other hand, work for recruitment agencies. These pros match candidates with the companies that are their clients.
How should you respond to a recruiter?
Regardless of the type, recruiters are focused on finding the best talent for their open positions. When they get in touch, it’s because they see value in your skills and experience.
When a recruiter contacts you, your first step is to think about their message. Is the request clear about the role, company, and industry? Does the recruiter mention specific reasons why they think you might be a match? Is the message professional and free of errors? A well-crafted message from a recruiter often indicates a serious opportunity. Conversely, a generic or poorly written message may signal a mass email.
Your response will typically depend on your current career status. If you’re looking for a job, this could be a big opportunity for you to make a move. You should be proactive and engaged in your response to them. If you’re not actively searching, it’s still wise to hear out the recruiter. You never know when the right opportunity might come along! If you’re happily employed, consider whether the role aligns with your long-term career goals. Even if it doesn’t, it pays to be polite and make a new connection that can help you in the future.
How to engage with a recruiter
Regardless of how you decide to respond, you should do your homework before proceeding. Check the recruiter’s Linkedin profile to double-check that they are who they say they are. Look into their expertise and experience in your industry and/or with roles like yours. You should also research the company that the recruiter is representing, if possible. If they haven’t disclosed the company name yet, this research will have to wait.
It’s important to understand the role that the recruiter is pitching to you. Ask for a detailed job description if one isn’t provided up front. That way, you can see if the position aligns with your skills and career goals. Read the description carefully; make notes and write down follow-up questions to ask the recruiter.
Next, it’s time to prepare for the conversation. If the recruiter suggests a call, treat it like a preliminary interview. Be prepared to walk through your resume and discuss the items within it. Know what you’re looking for in a new position, whether it’s a higher salary, work-life balance, or a specific company culture. And bring your questions! Ask about the company, team, expectations of the role, and next steps in the hiring process.
There are some red flags that you should be aware of. A professional, reputable recruiter will never pressure you to make quick decisions. They also should not be asking for sensitive personal information like your Social Security number or financial information during early conversations. A recruiter also should provide clear details about both the position and the company. Any ambiguous answers could be a sign of something fishy.
Next steps in the process
Even if the opportunity presented isn’t a fit right now, building a relationship with a recruiter can be very beneficial in the long run. To add them to your professional network, connect with the recruiter on LinkedIn. Thank them for considering you, even if you decline to move forward in the hiring process. And if you know of someone else who might be a better fit, pass along their name. This shows professionalism and your willingness to help the recruiter.
If the role does interest you, start by clarifying the recruiter’s (and the company’s) expectations. Seek to understand their desired timeline, the interview process, and any materials they will be requesting beyond your resume. It’s also reasonable to ask about salary expectations early in the conversation to make sure you’re aligned before investing too much time in the process. Be sure to respond right away to all emails and calls so that you keep the process moving smoothly.
There is also a third option: walking away entirely. Not every conversation with a recruiter will lead to a positive outcome. It’s okay to disengage if the role doesn’t align with your goals or values. You should also stop communications if the recruiter is unprofessional or you get the feeling that the role being “offered” isn’t legitimate. Always remain polite, but don’t feel obligated to continue with something that feels off.
Reflect on the interaction
No matter how the conversation plays out, take the time to think about the experience. Did the recruiter provide insights about your industry? Was the process helpful to highlight areas of your resume or skills that need improvement? What did you learn from this interaction that you can use for future conversations?
Being contacted by a recruiter can be both flattering and potentially life-changing. Just remember: every recruiter interaction is a two-way street. While they’re evaluating you, you’re evaluating them and the opportunity they bring. Treat the process as a chance to learn and grow, and keep your options open!