Recruiters are People Too

One of the questions I get asked most frequently when helping clients with LinkedIn is “how do I connect with recruiters?” It’s a valid question, and the answer actually varies from person to person depending on industry, goal position, location, etc. But connecting with recruiters is just like connecting with anyone else: if you could solve a problem, i.e. be a potential hire in the future, then they’re probably as interested in connecting with you as you are with them. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when connecting with recruiters in order for you both to have the most beneficial relationship possible.

• Follow choice companies. Many companies on LinkedIn have an employee who is specifically responsible for posting updates and responding to comments on social media. So follow companies you’d like to work for, and don’t be afraid to engage with the content they post. If you like, comment, or share on a regular basis (not all the time, mind you), then whoever handles the company’s page will probably take note.
• Use the Advanced Search Option. If you want to go out and connect with recruiters directly, you can use LinkedIn’s advanced search option to look specifically for recruiters in your industry. Type in your industry and the keyword “recruiter.” Be sure to double check their profile to ensure they’re still in your industry, and see if you have a connection who could act as a middle man to introduce you to the recruiter. It’s always better to be introduced by a third party rather than connecting directly only to immediately ask for a job. Want even more LinkedIn search tips? Career Solutions Group offers LinkedIn development as part of our career success formulas!
• If you connect directly, make it personal. Any request to connect with a recruiter without a personal message can come off as insincere. As I said in the headline, recruiters are people too. So treat them just as you would in real life. A good introduction message will include a few things:
  • Why you are reaching out to them. A message that declares your intent up front will be read as more sincere than something which dances around the issue. Phrase it like: “I am hoping to find out more about the jobs for which you recruit, and I’m working to network within x industry/community at this time.”
  • Use their email to connect. Many recruiters will include their email address on their profile, so consider using this as your answer to “How do you know X.” Again, it’s better to start the relationship out on an honest note.
  • Ask for suggestions. A recruiter will be more likely to help you if you ask for their advice rather than purely asking for a job. Ask them for suggestions as you network, or connections they think you should make. Offer to refer people to them within your field. And always, always thank them for taking the time to read your message.

My biggest piece of advice? Well, it’s in the title. Recruiters are people too, so don’t be afraid to reach out to them like other people. Networking is all about forming meaningful relationships. As you network, both with recruiters and other professionals, keep that tidbit in mind.

Career Solutions Group provides professional career success formulas to job seekers looking to make meaningful change. If you’d like to learn more about job focus, interviewing, networking, and LinkedIn, email us at info@careersolutionsgroup.net. We offer free initial consultations and have helped hundreds of career changers make successful transitions.

By: Julia Pillard, Career Solutions Group