The best approach to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn

As a talent acquisition advisor I receive several requests, messages and connection from job seekers across the board and there is a pattern (subconscious) to my choice of response. And this depends on the approach/question/crispness of the message from the job seeker.

Let me first put across the type of messages/requests that would not find a response from me. In other words, please refrain from doing the following when reaching out or approaching a recruiter for a job:

(a) Do not send a message asking whether the recruiter can find you a job based on your profile. Recruiters are working in an extremely fast paced environment and have deliverables/metrics to meet. Therefore, they simply do not have the time to study your profile and match you to the best roles available. It is you that knows best what roles/positions you are best suited for. Therefore, always reached out to the recruiter with the link of the job opening that you would like to be considered for.

(b) Never ask a question/favour without request for connection. Until you know that the recruiter is open to connecting with you, one must not throw questions or ask for service or favour of any kind.

(c) Please do not send a lengthy message without a definite questions at the end. Instead, send a copy of your most updated resume. The first thing recruiters would ask for is the resume because most questions that they have and the information that is needed, is derived from the resume.

(d) Do not follow-up more than once. Recruiters are on LinkedIn for more than 50 percent of their worktime. They do read the messages that they receive and if they have not responded there is likely a reason. Yes, a responsible and polite recruiter would always respond but should the resume be of interest for any role they would definitely response and connect sooner than later.

(e) Do not ask for a 15 minutes chat or call in the first message. In fact, unless the conversation has gone beyond the first screen or towards the interview the recruiter would not make the time to get on a video call/chat. More importantly, the recruiter themselves would reach out to you to schedule a brief call should they want to move ahead with you to the next steps in the hiring process.

As a talent acquisition professional I always like job hunters who are direct, to the point, genuine and clear when it comes to communication. A consistency in response is also a key. More often than not a candidate who is responsible in communication during the entire hiring process is taken more seriously and inspires trust for future collaborations. Therefore, some of the ways one can approach a recruiter for the best responses are:

(a) The message must always be a request to connect. It must be very brief (something that one can make a decision on in 3 seconds) and simple. No descriptions or questions.

(b) Once the connection is accepted, please follow it with the link of the job opening that you would like to be considered for along with a copy of your resume. You must 'help us help you' - once you have identified and applied for an open position, reaching out to a recruiter would increase your visibility. Yes, the recruiter might not be working on that particular role but they might be able to connect you with the person that is. It helps bring your resume on the top half of the pile.

(c) Should there be a positive response from the recruiter, please let them know of anything that might be a deviation from the norm on your end. For example, if you can only join after 2 months or you require flexible hours or you have interviewed in the company before, you must let the recruiter. It must not come across during the hiring process that you have not been authentic, genuine or consistent with information. If you are a talent that the organization needs and your requirements are within its fold of regulations being honest and upfront shall always be for the better.

Lastly, engage with the recruiter's online presence, look-up their profile, like, share and comment on their content. That way, you are more likely to be someone the recruiter shall recognize by name and decide to look up your profile to find a potential match. Follow the company, keep yourself update with its activities, newsletters and social media posts. This would not only help during engagement with the recruiter but also come handy during the interview process and let the interviewers know that you are already involved and invested in the company's pursuits, business and campaign.