Many people ask us, “Should I should I still connect with a recruiter, even if I’m not currently looking for a new job?” Our answer? YES!
In this business the name of the game is cold-calling. Recruiters are aware that many of the calls they make are to people who are not actively looking for a new job. If you’re happy where you’re at, they’re ok with that. It doesn’t hurt to answer a cold call that might lead to a future opportunity, even if you’re not looking right now. Why not see what’s out there and make sure you still have the best job for you? Keep reading for more reasons why picking up that cold call is worth it.
1. Maybe you aren’t looking now, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be in the future.
If there’s anything we know with 100% certainty after the last year, it’s that nothing is 100% certain. As recruiters, we understand that plans change, even when we aren’t prepared or ready for them. Answering a cold call could benefit you later on when you do decide to look for something new and have already built a relationship with a recruiter you know you can go to for assistance.
According to the State of the American Workplace Report Gallup 2017, in 2015, 51% of actively employed people were searching for new jobs or watching for openings.
2. When you are ready to look, you won’t be starting from scratch.
Most people only reach out to a recruiter as they are exiting a position. When you keep in touch with a recruiter throughout your employment, it’s a lot easier for them to help you when you need it because you’ve already built a foundation. Why is this a benefit? Because you’ve put in the leg work early. The recruiter you’re working with already knows your interests and your experience, and can match you with an opportunity that fulfills your needs. About 73% of job seekers say the process of looking for a job is one of the most stressful events in life, so staying connected with a recruiter can make the process quicker alleviate some of the stress.
3. You can learn a lot about your specific job market from a recruiter. This is valuable information to anyone, not just people looking for a job.
Recruiters are experts in their industry. They know more than just the name of the company they are working with. They can tell you things like the state of the employment marketplace or the current trends within your specific profession, and more. If anything it’s nice to connect with a recruiter to get some of your burning job-market questions asked.
4. You could help a friend who needs a job.
Referrals help both the recruiter and the candidate you put them in contact with. According to the Jobvite 2017 Recruiting Funnel Benchmark Report, referrals are five times more effective than any other sources of hiring. The opportunity presented to you might be the opportunity that someone else has been waiting for, and with your help, they’ll have the chance to take it!
5. Why not?
In all honesty, you have nothing to lose (except maybe a few minutes of your time) and everything to gain from building a relationship with a recruiter– no matter what stage of your career you are in. It’s basically a no-risk proposition. When recruiters pick up the phone and call you, they’re looking to create a relationship that could be useful now or in the future. Recruiters are there to serve you. If you don’t need their service, tell the recruiter that, (even though we clearly think you should still stay connected with them!)
You now know all the reasons why picking up the phone could change YOUR career for the better. When you allow recruiters to help you, talk to you and get to know you, you’re helping them too–whether they end up placing you somewhere or not. Talking to people gains them access to information that can help others in the long run. A good recruiter never tries to sell something that is unwanted. Give them a chance to get to know you!
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