What to Do When a Recruiter Calls You Unexpectedly
Opportunity knocks unexpectedly, and so do recruiters. When a recruiter gives you a call, you may be actively seeking employment, happily working for the company of your dreams or somewhere in between. Regardless of your current state, you should always take the time to listen and respond to a recruiter’s opportunity. You never know what the future holds, so why not at least consider every option?
Sometimes, when a recruiter calls you may feel stress or relief. You may have been just thinking about how you’re ready to explore a new employment opportunity, or you may be grateful to have a satisfied permanent career. Here are the ways you can respond when a recruiter calls unexpectedly.
Actively Job Seeking
If you’re actively seeking new employment, you should always have an updated resume on hand. When a recruiter calls without warning, you can pull out your resume so you have the most important information right in front of you. Having bullet points of content from your various cover letters can help, as well.
If you’re actively job seeking, a recruiter’s call is never unexpected. Even if it comes at a time when you can’t talk, you should still answer the phone, and then let them know the specific time you’ll be calling back. Be sure to practice answering questions and crafting a strong elevator pitch so that you are comfortable and professional speaking on the phone at any time.
Passively or Not Seeking at All
If you’re not currently looking for a new employment opportunity, communicating with a recruiter when they contact you can still be beneficial. Even though you may be less prepared for this interaction than if you were an active seeker, you can still take the time to consider the prospect.
For example, if a recruiter calls you about an opening for a bilingual office assistant, you can ask for the job description and company details, then tell the recruiter you will call them back. Take a few hours or a few days to research the opportunity and craft your response, then respond to the recruiter. Even if you aren’t going to accept the opportunity, you will want to maintain a positive rapport with the recruiter in case there comes a day when they present an opportunity that you do want to accept.
What Can a Recruiter Do for You?
A recruiter finds candidates for key positions, so their clients are both companies and candidates. Recruiters are in the match-making business. They look closely at the requirements that the companies need and matches them with a candidate whose experience and goals most closely fit. If you are looking to add experience to your resume, explore new opportunities or start a new career path, a recruiter can help you find your niche.
When you work with a recruiter, like the experienced professionals at Burnett Specialists and Choice Specialists, you get one-on-one, focused career attention. We will help you identify and clarify your short-term and long-term career goals and create a plan to achieve them. That plan includes connecting candidates with ideal companies, assisting with resumes, cover letters and interviews. If this sounds like a partnership you’re ready to explore, contact us today!
