If you're an experienced, high-earning executive, you should expect recruiters to eventually reach out to you, whether you're actively looking for a new job or not. Even if you're content with your current position, a conversation with a recruiter can still be productive, helping you grow your professional network and learn more about your industry.
Still, some people feel awkward taking these calls if they're not actively hunting for a new job. If a recruiter reaches out to you, here are some tips for how to handle the call:
- Take the call: First and foremost, pick up the phone! Or if you miss the call, make time to call the recruiter back. If you don't cooperate, it's likely the firm won't contact you again, even if you find yourself looking for a job later in your career.
- Find out more about the firm: There are two main types of recruiting firms, and knowing with which you are dealing can make a difference. Retained executive search firms like YES Partners are hired exclusively to fill a specific senior-level opening at a company. Contingency firms, on the other hand, typically fill middle- or lower- level positions on a non-exclusive basis. Retained recruiting firms are able to offer a better promise of confidentiality, which can be important for individuals hoping not to advertise the fact that they're considering new roles. This is because retained recruiters work exclusively with the hiring company, contrary to contingency firms, which are more likely 'fishing' for candidates sometimes not having a specific role or position in mind.
- Be sensitive: As a matter of policy, the recruiters likely will not mention the name of the hiring company during your first conversation, but will offer a brief description of the role and its requirements. Don't press them for more information. If you are interested, simply let them know. A more detailed conversation can then take place outside of the office.
- Help extend the network: If the opportunity doesn't seem right for you, just let the recruiter know! Before you go, offer the names of a few people you think might be interested in the position. Not only will this help your contacts and the recruiter, but it can also help make sure you get on the recruiter's short list of people to call about the next interesting role.
For more information about working with recruiting consultants, click here. Or, check out a list of some of the positions we have already successfully filled here!
Finding people is easy, but finding the RIGHT people is not. YES Partners helps companies FIND the right people for all company functions, across many industries and globally.
