Picture yourself working hard to meet yet another deadline and the phone rings. You let the call go to voicemail. Later you listen to the message – it is a recruiter who is calling to introduce himself/herself and to tell you about a great job they are trying to fill. You think about the voicemail for a while and eventually decide you are happy where you are and that returning the call, while polite, can only complicate your life.
Ignoring the call is definitely the easy way out, but make no mistake, you should return that call. Here is why:
1. Get on the recruiter’s radar: Even if the job is not interesting to you it gives you the opportunity to meet (and vet) the recruiter to see if they might be someone you would want to work with in the future. If you have a good conversation, a recruiter will keep you in mind for other opportunities in the future. If you do not return the recruiter’s call it is likely they will not consider you for other jobs down the road.
2. Potential dream job: Wayne Gretzky once said – “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. The same can be applied here. If you do not return the recruiter’s call, you could be missing out on a great opportunity. That job may be for more money, in a better industry, at a progressive company, with better hours, better benefits, and more career growth. You will never know unless you call the recruiter back.
3. Value: You never know when you will find the right recruiter. Therefore it is crucial that you be open to different opportunities when they come a knockin’. A good recruiter will be your eyes and ears and will stay in touch to make sure your career is progressing. In many cases, connecting with the right recruiter becomes as important as finding the right doctor, dentist or financial planner.
4. Market intelligence: Recruiters are the eyes and ears of the job market. Every day recruiters act as sounding boards for several candidates and clients throughout WNY. Use your time on the phone with a recruiter to gain valuable market intelligence. If handled properly, the call can prove to be content rich – providing insight for both parties.
5. Referrals: So maybe the job the recruiter is presenting is not a great fit for you. No problem. However, the job may be perfect for a friend or co-worker. Referring a peer for a position not only assists your friend but helps the recruiter as well.
6. The Golden Rule: You are receiving a call from a recruiter because he/she thinks you could be a good fit for a certain position. The very least you can do is take a few minutes to return the call and thank them for thinking of you. Much like you were taught in grade school, life it is about treating others like you would want to be treated.
The reasons why you should return a recruiter’s call outweigh the negatives. So, the next time a recruiter leaves you a message, think long and hard about returning the call and not simply deleting the message. You never know what may end up happening as a result.
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