How to Reach out to a Recruiter
And why you should or shouldn't in the first place
Always be yourself.
That’s it.
Nah, j/k.
I mean, yes, you need to be yourself, but you’ve also got to understand that simply reaching out to a recruiter isn’t going to do a thing for you and your job hunt without having some strategy in place.
No matter how many times you reach out to me to say hello, I’m not going to interview you if you don’t meet the basic qualifications required for my open job. And if you’re way off base, no matter how nice and real you are, I’m not going to have the time to “chat about the role” with you.
Seriously.
I do my best to be helpful and kind - but people. I’ve got a full-time job with really intense KPIs that need to be met so that I can keep my job and keep my hiring managers happy.
That means my day is dedicated to things like sourcing hard-to-find candidates, posting job openings, reading through hundreds of resumes, making phone calls, dealing with candidates who don’t show up, managing hiring managers who resist giving feedback and so many other little things that I don’t want to bore you with those details.
I have those things on my plate each day because I am a RECRUITER who gets paid to find candidates, interview candidates and move them through the interview process for a specific role within a specific company. I am not paid to have little chats with everyone who reaches out (and let me tell you, there are tons of people who reach out every week).
That’s why I have ZenCareer nation - so I can do my best to answer your questions and eventually have little chats with small intimate groups of you who really want to understand how the hiring situation works from the inside out.
Now. Let’s say you see a new job I’ve posted. And you have done your research on the role and the company. And you know you are an outstanding candidate for THIS EXACT ROLE because you meet the required qualifications.
FIRST - apply to the job. Either go to the company website and apply or use the LinkedIn post and apply. (no need to do both)
NEXT - send me a LinkedIn message/connection request saying something like this: “Hi Peggie. I just applied to your XYZ role. I’m excited to be considered because I’ve spent 4 years (GIVE ME SOME RESULTS THAT YOU’VE ACHEIVED THAT RELATE TO THE JOB) and (TELL ME SOME REASON YOU ARE STOKED ABOUT MY COMPANY). I’m looking forward to connecting and learning about next steps. My number is 123-456-7890”
I promise you, I’ll read your message, search out your application and give you a buzz. If I search out your application and you’re not a fit, I’ll let you know that too - by message and I’ll accept your connection request.
Easy-peasy. Reach out with a good call to action and proof of concept and the recruiter is likely to respond. (at least this recruiter will)