Tips for Successfully Networking with a Recruiter
Tired of sending out resumes and receiving no responses? Some experts in the field of employment say this could be due to your lack of networking efforts. If the thought of attending yet another business mixer or catching up over coffee with an old coworker has you feeling anxious, you may want to take a deep breath and remind yourself that networking doesn't have to be difficult. You can avoid even leaving your house. Sending a recruiter a simple email or LinkedIn message can have a big effect.
If you want to make the best possible impression, you'll need to be more strategic. Of course, it would be impossible to blurt out everything that is on your mind. We consulted with three professionals in the field to learn how to best approach recruiters for a job. The following are suggestions for writing a statement that will help your resume stand out from the crowd:
The importance of reaching out
You might be wondering what the benefits of contacting recruiters are.
When you reach out to a company's recruiter, your main goal is to make a good impression and increase your chances of being considered for a job.
The best way to impress a recruiter is to be polite, friendly, passionate about the job, and respectful of his or her time, even if you have questions and want more information. By getting to know a recruiter on a personal level, you can stand out from the hundreds, thousands, or even millions of other applicants.
It may feel strange to approach a recruiter at first, but you shouldn't be afraid to do so. You are, in fact, assisting them.
If you're nervous about reaching out, remind yourself that you'll be assisting the recruiter in their efforts. If you're a top candidate who might be exactly who the recruiter is looking for, making contact can set you apart and speed up the hiring process.
A few things to keep in mind
When is it appropriate to get in touch with a recruiter?
The best course of action is to research the company's website, apply to the open positions listed there, and then follow up with a phone call or email to the recruiter, providing details about your experience and the role you're interested in. If you aren't targeting a specific job opening, it's fine to highlight your strengths and demonstrate to the recruiter that you're eager to work.
The perspective of a recruiter should be kept in mind at all times. Instead of thinking about what's best for yourself, put yourself in the recruiter's shoes.
Make your messages more specific to the recipient.
Don't just hand over your resume without being asked; make them feel like you're fulfilling a genuine need. You shouldn't, for example, call a recruiter's personal cell phone multiple times or email them about a job for which you aren't qualified.
Sending a cold email or LinkedIn message first and then calling the recruiter when you don't hear back is an example of a pushy approach. Recruiters can get annoyed by emails that just repeat information that was already in your application.
If you need to follow up with an employer after sending an email, don't just paste your cover letter in there. Show the recruiter that you are interested in the company, the position, and possibly even the recruiters themselves by demonstrating that you have done your homework.
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