Is Your Recruiter Ignoring You?

by Ken Schmitt & Vicky Willenberg

You just know the recruiter you spoke to is going to help you land your ideal job! He already had three roles he thought you’d be perfect for! So, you wait anxiously for the next phone call.

After hours, days (maybe weeks) of anticipating some follow-up, you start to feel discouraged and begin to wonder: Does my recruiter hate me?

Don't assume he or she has tossed your resume in the circular file. There are many players in the hiring process, and you are only one of them.

What is the role of a recruiter?

Simply put, recruiters have one primary function: fill jobs. This is a far more complex task than you realize. Organizations retain recruiters to identify the best candidates for their open positions. The employer pays a fee to the recruiter to make a successful match. That means the employer is the client—not you.

Filling a search has many moving parts. First, recruiters invest a significant amount of time working with the client to develop an accurate full-picture job posting. This ensures the right talent is identified and prevents candidates from pursuing a role that differs from the one he applied for. Next, recruiters invest extensive hours connecting with potential candidates—searching their talent pool for both active and passive professionals who possess the right combination of skills, experience and cultural fit. Once a group of qualified candidates is identified, the recruiter works with them and the employer to arrange interviews, manage follow up meetings, act as the go between candidates and the employer, conduct reference checks, and (hopefully) serve as a guide during the offer. Managing both sides of the recruitment process ensures both parties are happy with the final result.

To make this process easier for everyone involved, heed the wise words of Jerry Maguire: “Help me, help you!”

Help Your Recruiter: Avoid These 5 Things

Stalking the recruiter

Recruiters know you are eager to land a job and they are just as eager to help you. Despite your enthusiasm, you must respect the process. Once a recruiter has ascertained your needs, expectations, and ideal role, they get to work trying to identify an opportunity that fits. If you’re a potential fit, you’ll receive a call—promise. There is no need to email or call to check in multiple times a day or week.

Forgetting patience is a virtue

When a potential opportunity is identified you will work with your recruiter to determine if it’s the right fit. Be patient. Recruiters spend a lot of time going back and forth between you and the employer… a lot of time. Remember, they want to fill the job just as much as you want to have it. Throughout the recruitment process, your recruiter will keep you abreast of the situation. As soon as they hear word from the employer, so will you.

Ignoring the manners your mother taught you

If you have an active and complete LinkedIn profile, you may receive an unsolicited call or email from a recruiter. If the potential job isn’t within the compensation range you would entertain, don’t be offended and reply, “I make double that!” or “I have a job, why are you contacting me?” Simply thank the recruiter for reaching out and maybe recommend a colleague who might be a better fit. You never know when you may want to work with that recruiter in the future, so keeping your interactions respectful and professional is a good idea.

Confusing hiring managers with smoke and mirrors

65% of job seekers are entertaining multiple offers. If you are participating in interviews with a different company or if you have other offers, be transparent. Don’t bail on interviews or suddenly take yourself out of the game after the process is well underway. It’s disrespectful of the employer’s time and can also have a negative effect on your personal brand.

Acting indifferent

If you want the job, do the work. Respond to emails and voicemails in a timely and professional manner, research both the company and the position thoroughly, engage during the interview, and send a follow up letter when it’s over. Be proactive.

Recruiting is both a balancing and juggling act. Recruiters are jumping through hoops to find the best candidates for their clients. Avoid the faux pas above and, most importantly, help them help you.