Top 4 Reasons Why #Recruiters Aren't Responding to You

If you’re actively (or passively) on the market for new job opportunities, one of the major frustrations I hear from job seekers is reaching out to #Recruiters to introduce themselves and NOT hearing back from them. Why is that happening and what can you do to increase your chances at getting a response?

Before I go any further – understand there are many reasons why a Recruiter may not be getting back to you at the initial stages of contact. However, based on my experiences and observations, here are the Top 4 reasons why:

1. REASON #1: They’re not recruiting for your skill set at this time. This is probably the reason why for the majority of cases. Recruiters at Staffing Agencies place their recruitment efforts on high priority roles handed over to them from their Clients – that’s where the entire recruitment cycle BEGINS for Recruiters. Although I have never worked in corporate/internal recruitment, it’s a similar situation with them as well, where their “Clients” are hiring manager/teams within the company. Look – if a #Recruiter isn’t actively looking for someone with your skill set, their focus and priority is on what their Clients are looking for. Don’t take it personal. Keep in touch and follow-up with them periodically.
2. REASON #2: You’re not sending a clear, well-constructed introductory email or LinkedIn Message. If your introductory message is “Hi, how are you?” (or something along those lines) with no other content, there’s a high chance you won’t get a response. MOST Recruiters spend most of their times on the phones speaking to candidates – not sitting idly on LinkedIn, waiting on people to message them and chat with them. So, you need to get straight to the point, as soon as possible. When we do get messages, the priority goes to well-structured messages with a clear “ask”. Write a complete message with a clear intention and call to action. This still won’t guarantee you get a response (due to #1 above), however its MUCH better than simply writing “How are you?” with no other content in your message.
3. REASON #3: You’re not using the phone. You’re only depending on email and social media. Look – I can’t speak on behalf of corporate/internal #Recruiters, but I CAN speak on behalf of Staffing Agencies. Its completely fine to use the phone to call in and introduce yourself. Use the phone in addition to email and LinkedIn. Another important tip: if you get voicemail – LEAVE A MESSAGE. The Recruiter will not know you called if you don’t leave a message.
4. REASON #4: You’re NOT following-up and instead depending on just ONE contact to reach the #Recruiter. You send a LinkedIn Message, don’t get a response, and never try again. You send an email, don’t get a response, and never try again. You call, leave a voicemail, don’t get a response, and never try again. What you didn’t consider is that your email may have ended up in the spam folder, never to be seen. Your LinkedIn Message got lost among all the others they received, and they lost track of yours. They didn’t respond to your voicemail because of #1 above, however this week they received a new job requirement from a Client which matches your skill set. Always follow-up!

So, if you’re not hearing back from Recruiters, be sure you’re not committing any or all of the above mistakes. Addressing these will increase your chances of getting into communication with and building relationships with Recruiters.

Thanks for reading and be sure to Comment/Like/Share!

Wishing you the best in your #JobSearch!

Dean Kulaweera - #TechRecruiter

You can also follow me on:

Instagram (@dktechrecruiter), Twitter (@dktechrecruiter), “Like” my Facebook Page (Dean Kulaweera - Tech Recruiter) and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for #JobSearch Videos!