Don't Expect Recruiters to Call You
My last article urged professionals not to put "currently seeking employment" in their headlines. I was shocked by how many people commented, "Then how will recruiters find me?"
They won't.
Don't depend on someone else's initiative!
It's up to you to network, to create new relationships, to spot new opportunities, and to sell yourself.
You should be proactively reaching out, instead of expecting others to find you.
For example, many clients find me online, but I never say "currently seeking employment". The last time a recruiter called me, it was 1995.
Instead, I constantly share examples of my work and my thinking.
I also constantly reach out to people I find interesting, talented, or engaging.
Here's what never works:
"You don't know me. Want to hire me?
Here's what almost always works:
"I saw what you wrote yesterday, and wanted to ask a quick question..."
When you express genuine interest in others, people take notice. When you demonstrate insight and expertise, people notice. When you have something of value to add, people notice.
When you wait for someone to reach out to you, well, you can wait a very long time.
Be proactive. Be personable. Be positive.
Be a person who makes things happen, not a person who waits for something to happen.
Is this easy to do? No.
Over the past year, I've written an insane number of articles, some under my own name and others for my clients. I almost never wake up knowing what I am going to write that day.
So day after day, I have to find inspiration. I am often sitting in a room by myself and wondering, "What can I possibly write now?"
Is it much different than waking up without a job and wondering, "What can I possibly do today to get a job?"
I doubt it.
Read. Talk to others. Post something on social media. Take a walk. Go to a meeting or conference. Respond to something on social media. THEN get a great idea about a new company or person or industry to explore.
This is how it works for me, and how it probably can work for you.
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RECRUITERS: Some have commented that you do call people. Can you please be specific? What types of people (i.e. seniority level, function, industry...) do you personally call?
Bruce Kasanoff helps professionals like you find the right words to advance your career. Learn more at Kasanoff.com.
Bruce is the author of How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk. It's a short career guide packed with useful tips.
MEng in Electronics, MSc in Information Technology/Telecommunications Management
8 年James, I appreciate that you shared your knowledge and experience and shed a light on the issue I started with. It is true, it is quite a wide area for discussion and it is also proprietary matter in respect to the local labor law. I have missed that you live and work in UK. With my question I meant one disturbed system in another country. Thank you.
Senior program manager presso ATOMOS HYLA
8 年Great discussion. As often happen, there are as much interesting things in the post as in some of the comments. In this case, for example, the recruiter's comment is as valuable as the article. In the end you are the one who has to act and doesn't matter if it's for networking or seeking for the best content. If you don't do anything, nothing will happen.
Helping SMB organizations become more competitive and efficient through better inventory optimization tools.
8 年Great article Bruce. If I nourish the universe, the universe nourishes me. Thanks.
Negotiator | Business Development | Deal Originator | Portfolio Manager |Strategy Execution | M.Sc. Investments
8 年The article was a candid read, truly hit home. Makes me wonder, 'did you read my mind?'
Customer Service / Process Improvement / People Development / Problem Solving / Voice of the Customer
8 年Good morning Mr. Bruce Kasanoff. Reading your teasing article and also considering the other colleagues below's opinions, I see all of us have an even bigger and better picture. Do we want to change the world? As that famous shoes brand said... Just do it. Good luck to all of us!