Do Recruiters Call You, Or Do You Call Them?
Recruiters may call you, or you may call them. Contingency recruiters often react to your applications, while executive search headhunters proactively seek out passive candidates. Your best approach depends on the recruiter's model and your career stage.
Key takeaways
- Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with relevant keywords.
- Proactively connect with recruiters in your industry.
- Tailor your outreach messages to specific roles or recruiters.
- Understand that not all outreach will get a response.
- Seek referrals to increase your visibility.
- Be clear about your career aspirations with recruiters.
When do recruiters reach out to me?
Executive search headhunters, particularly those working on retained searches for senior roles, will proactively reach out to you. They identify candidates who fit specific, often high-level, profiles. Contingency recruiters, who fill more numerous, often mid-level roles, are less likely to initiate contact unless you've applied for a specific job they are advertising. Their business model relies on filling roles quickly, so they often prioritize candidates who apply directly.
How can I get recruiters to call me?
To increase your chances of being contacted by recruiters, focus on visibility and relevance. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, detailed, and uses keywords relevant to your desired roles. Engage with industry content and connect with recruiters in your field. Referrals from your network are also highly effective, as they provide a trusted introduction.
When should I contact recruiters myself?
You should reach out to recruiters when you are actively seeking a new role and have identified specific opportunities they are advertising. It's also worthwhile to connect with recruiters specializing in your industry or desired job function, even if they aren't actively advertising a role that matches you perfectly. This builds your network for future possibilities.
How do I make my outreach effective?
When contacting a recruiter, be concise and professional. Clearly state the role you are interested in or the type of position you seek. Briefly highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience, and attach your resume. Personalize your message to show you've researched their agency or the specific role, rather than sending a generic template.
What are realistic response expectations?
Understand that recruiters are often managing many candidates and roles. You may not receive a response to every message or application, especially from larger agencies or RPOs. If a recruiter is interested, they will typically reach out for a brief screening call. Don't be discouraged by a lack of immediate response; focus on consistent, quality outreach.
What are the downsides of working with recruiters?
Recruiters have multiple clients and may not always prioritize your best interests if another candidate is a better fit for a specific role or if a client's needs conflict. Contingency recruiters may submit you to multiple roles without your full understanding, and their primary loyalty is to the hiring company. Be clear about your career goals and expectations.
Frequently asked questions
Do recruiters work for me or the company?
Recruiters are typically paid by the hiring company, not the candidate. While they aim to place candidates, their primary obligation is to their client, the employer. This means their focus is on finding the best match for the company's needs.
What's the difference between a recruiter and a headhunter?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'headhunter' usually refers to someone conducting executive search, often for senior or specialized roles. Headhunters proactively source passive candidates. 'Recruiter' is a broader term that can include those working in contingency staffing, RPOs, or internal HR departments.
Should I register with multiple recruitment agencies?
Yes, registering with multiple agencies specializing in your field can increase your exposure. However, be mindful of potential conflicts if multiple agencies submit you for the same role. Maintaining clear communication with each agency is important.
How do I know if a recruiter is legitimate?
Legitimate recruiters will have professional online presences (like LinkedIn profiles and agency websites) and will communicate clearly about roles and processes. They won't ask you for money or personal financial details. Be wary of unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.
Put this into practice
Track the roles you apply to, tailor your CV to the real employer, and prep for the interview with JobMentis.