Recruiters sometimes get a bad rap, kind of like salespeople.
We are really here to do our job, just like anyone else. As in any profession, there are good apples and, unfortunately, some who are not.
I do my fair share of cold-calling when I am working on a new position. Many people I contact are open to conversation, others not as much. Breaking through the suspicion of recruiters is important to a worthwhile exchange. When a recruiter calls, keep in mind that your willingness to listen to new opportunities for a few minutes could lead to great things.
I often find the higher in an organization someone is, the more open they are to talking about potential opportunities. A vice president or director is usually quite willing to make time to talk. If the position is not a fit for them, they are often very forthcoming with referrals of people in their network who could be. I think this is because over time, they’ve realized the potential benefits outweigh the small investment of time.
A good recruiter should be able to ask you the right questions in a few minutes to quickly determine if the position might be a good fit for you. When I call someone, in the first five minutes or so, my approach is to gather a brief overview of the prospective candidate’s background, learn about their career goals and current income. Then I let them know if we are in the ballpark on the income, fit and career progression. From my perspective, quickly getting down to brass tacks is respectful and professional.
If it turns out that the position is not the right match, it is a good idea to offer up referrals of others who might be a good match or just good networking contacts. Offering such referrals is a great way to make a memorable impression with a recruiter, who will appreciate your assistance. In the future, the recruiter will let you know about other jobs that could be a perfect fit.
Whoever you refer may end up thanking you profusely for helping them land the job of their dreams. And one day, they may return the favor.
Who couldn’t use a little more good karma out there?
Lisa McCallister specializes in recruiting for medical device sales and marketing positions with an operating room focus, such as orthopedics, electrosurgery, endoscopy and a wide range of surgical specialties. She has recruited two Rookie of the Year award winners. Connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her blog, MyJobScope.com.