In a recent LinkedIn article called “Four Reasons Why Recruiters Don’t Call You“, there was a comment from someone that, “Someone really needs to write a “Four Reasons Candidates Ignore Recruiters” article. It would be enlightening for the recruiter class.”
I’ll take this challenge; speaking both as a professional and someone who has worked with recruiters off and on for over 20 years, here are the top four reasons why candidates ignore recruiters:
1. Your contact call or email made it clear you’re either (a) reading from a script, (b) aren’t used to actually talking with candidates as people, (c) are so monotone and bored-sounding that no one in their right mind would call you back, (d) you speak so fast that even if someone DID want to call you back, they can’t make out your name, your company’s name, or most importantly, your phone number, or (e) all of the above.
2. Your contact and the information presented make it clear that you have absolutely no idea whatever what the role you’re trying to fill (a) IS, (b) MEANS, (c) how it fits/works within technology/industry, or (d) all of the above. Whether it’s because you’re “key word matching” or just genuinely ignorant of how roles fit in a company, you’ve made it clear that, of all the things you’re interested in, me as a professional in area X is not one of them (except of course, as it relates to your commission/placement quota). Or, worse, you contact me for a contract when my resume, profile, etc clearly state I’m only looking for FTE work (or visa versa).
3. Your demeanor from start to finish is that “you’re doing me a favor” to consider me; regardless the state of the market, the desirability of a client company, my extensive qualifications, or what kind of day you’re having. Most professionals today know quite well how recruiting works and we very well understand that your money is made on our backs; if you cannot deliver sincerity and genuine interest, you’re wasting both of our time. This includes things like keeping up on what my salary requirements are so that you don’t have to ask every time we talk; it also includes not pretending you don’t know so as to try and “sell me” on what you know to be a lower rate. I’m flexible, but not without reason.
4. You only reach out to me when you need something; when you have an opening, you’re on me like white on rice. When you do not? It could be months, years, or NEVER that I hear from you. Unless, of course, you think I might know someone you can present to your client. Like any other manner of relation, professionals who network and who treat their network with respect are much more likely to find candidates like me willing to make that extra effort even when “there’s nothing in it for me”.
Obviously, this particular slice of bread can be buttered on both sides, can’t it?