TIN #043 - From Invisible to Irresistible: How to Grab A Recruiter's Attention
Insider Tips from a Recruiter to Help You Stand Out
Hey there!
This morning, I'm excited to share valuable insights on networking with recruiters.
These tips can be especially helpful when you're looking for a job.
This issue takes less than 5 minutes to read.
I decided to explore this topic because of my chatbot.
I created a chatbot on my website that answers networking questions based on my book and newsletters.
Besides providing another resource for people who need help with networking, it allows me to see the questions people ask about the topic.
One question that gets asked a lot is:
"How do I network with recruiters who can help me get a job?"
I’ve done only a small amount of recruiting in my career, so I reached out to an expert to get better answers to this question.
Ed Han is a self proclaimed “Talent Acquisition Geek” and recruiter for Cenlar FSB.
Ed provides guidance to job seekers on platforms like LinkedIn, Job Hunt.org, and Twitter.
His willingness to share knowledge has made him a trusted source in the industry.
Building Genuine Connections On LinkedIn
Before we dive into the insightful recommendations from Ed, let me share how I connected with him.
Ed and I developed a connection by leaving comments on each other's LinkedIn posts.
This simple approach helps you become known to others on the platform.
By showing up, leaving thoughtful comments, and sharing relevant insights, we established a level of trust that paved the way for an in-person conversation.
I talked about this back in TIN #010 - How To Network On LinkedIn - Part 2.
When I reached out to Ed, I noticed he had an auto-responder message activated in his LinkedIn inbox.
As a recruiter, he receives lots of messages, so his auto-response suggested contacting him via email or text.
While his contact details were available on his profile, Ed wants to ensure people who reach out are willing to put in the effort to contact him.
This approach filters out automated messages and ensures a higher level of engagement.
After texting Ed, he quickly responded, and we scheduled a 30-minute call.
I asked him about the best strategies for connecting with recruiters.
It was one of the better conversations I had that week, and it prompted me to ask him if I could turn it into this issue of the newsletter.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this issue are based on the insights that came out of our conversation. Different recruiters may have varying preferences and practices. It's important to adapt your approach based on the specific circumstances and individuals you engage with.
Understanding Recruiters
Ed emphasized the importance of recognizing the two main types of recruiters: external/agency recruiters and internal/corporate recruiters.
Understanding their roles and expectations allows you to tailor your approach.
External/Agency Recruiters: Companies hire external recruiters to find candidates for specific positions.
They hustle to present candidates.
They engage in extensive sourcing and maintain a pool of potential candidates.
It's worth noting that if a recruiter's email doesn't seem like it comes from the company on the posting, the recruiter is likely an external recruiter.
Building relationships with external recruiters may take time, but connecting with them can be helpful.
They may have access to unadvertised opportunities and many positions across various companies.
But, since their focus is placing candidates, they may move on if you're not an immediate fit.
In the long run, staying connected with external recruiters can yield future opportunities. They may add you to their pool of candidates and send you info on opportunities as they come across them.
If you receive job leads from an external recruiter that aren't suitable for you, forward them to others who could benefit.
This gesture strengthens your relationship with the recruiter and helps others in their job search.
Internal/Corporate Recruiters: Internal recruiters are employed by the company.
Their goal is to assemble a strong list of candidates for positions within their organization.
Establishing connections with internal recruiters offers the advantage of gaining valuable insights into the company's culture and work environment.
But, it's important to note that if they determine you're not the right fit for the position they're currently working on, their options for recommending you for other roles within the company may be limited.
Standing Out from the Crowd
To connect with recruiters, it's essential to put yourself in their shoes and understand the challenges they face.
Recruiters receive hundreds, if not thousands, of messages from candidates for each position they're working on.
They often juggle many positions at the same time.
How can you make yourself stand out from the crowd?
According to Ed, it's not as challenging as you might think.
Many job seekers tend to take a somewhat lazy approach when reaching out to recruiters.
Ed shared some common scenarios he encounters in his work as a recruiter at a bank in the Northeast region of the United States.
He often receives messages from job seekers inquiring about supply chain positions or roles outside the geographic region his bank serves.
Of course, he can't help these people because these aren't roles he's trying to fill.
These messages look like generic templates candidates send without thinking about who is reading them. These are examples of an unfocused job search.
The approach fails to create a genuine connection with the recruiter and wastes everyone's time.
When Ed does receive a message from a candidate he might consider, he often finds the sender's LinkedIn profile is incomplete.
A complete and well-crafted profile increases your chances of capturing a recruiter's attention. Remember, making a positive first impression is crucial.
Craft a Persuasive Message
When reaching out to a recruiter, avoid using generic phrases like, "Can you help me get a job?"
It seems like a straightforward question, but it doesn't offer any compelling reason for the recruiter to engage with you.
In most corporate recruiting teams, different recruiters handle specific positions.
For instance, Ed focuses on filling IT positions, as stated on his LinkedIn profile.
With a little research, you can often identify the recruiter responsible for the specific job you're interested in.
If that information isn't available, don't worry; you can still approach a recruiter at the company.
Instead of a generic message to a recruiter, consider a more targeted and personalized approach.
For example, say,
"I'm wondering if you're the recruiter at [insert company name] who handles [insert job title] positions? If not, could you kindly direct me to the appropriate person?"
This way, the recruiter can determine whether they're the right contact or redirect you to the relevant individual.
This message is focused, and it gives the recruiter a way to respond to you so you can start a conversation about the role.
It makes you appear as someone who is easy to work with. When the recruiter looks at your complete LinkedIn profile and sees you have the skills they are looking for, they’ll continue the conversation with you.
It’s a win-win situation.
Playing The Long Game
Building relationships with recruiters is a long-term investment.
If a particular opportunity doesn't pan out, maintaining a positive connection can lead to future opportunities.
Recruiters often have wide networks and may come across opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations.
Stay engaged by periodically reaching out, sharing relevant industry insights, and offering help when appropriate.
By fostering these relationships, you position yourself as a reliable and valuable contact in the recruiter's network.
Networking with recruiters can be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal.
Understanding the distinctions between external/agency recruiters and internal/corporate recruiters allows you to tailor your approach.
By considering the challenges recruiters face and adopting a proactive and personalized strategy, you can stand out from the crowd and establish meaningful connections.
As you benefit from the insights and opportunities recruiters provide, be sure to reciprocate by assisting others in their job search journey.
So, embrace the art of networking with recruiters, apply these valuable insights shared by Ed Han, and unlock new doors on your path to career success.
Happy networking!