Updated as per my previous post here on LinkedIn on the same topic:
As I have been in the recruiting world for over six years growing to a LinkedIn network of over 20K connections, I felt it was time to speak out again about what I am most passionate about.
Receiving several messages a day and letting candidates know how I had been successfully hired through LinkedIn three times (that post landed me over 300+ likes), I felt I had to start telling people what worked and what didn’t for me. I too have been on the other side of the fence, and I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to message a complete stranger on social media on a networking site as large as LinkedIn. Having been in this industry, I can tell you what I believe is a good way to approach a recruiter. Let me start with what not to do.
The most common message I get from candidates usually looks like this: “Can you look at my profile and find me a job?”. With my experience, running a business and life outside of work, this is tough to do! This is an indication to me that you did not take the time to review the open positions I may be associated with and you are not speaking to me about what you are truly passionate about. Of course you will get a response back from me as I respond back to all messages, but in order to be as successful as I have been in the past, this never worked for me.
Reviewing a recruiter’s profile and asking a question specific to something we have done in the past or even our current job goes a long way. One of my key learning’s is people love to talk about themselves. Go on to introduce yourself, state what you’re passionate about (no points deducted if you do not quite yet know what that is yet, I only recently figured this one out), then go for the kill. Lay down which position you are interested in. This will let the recruiter know you have done your homework.
A great leader once taught me never to approach someone without a purpose. Have a plan. You will be more successful approaching a recruiter with a plan than blatantly asking them to review your profile and finding a match for you. Introduce yourself, ask about them, tell them what you are passionate about and start up a conversation with no strings attached. I would recommend maximum a few sentences, less is always more.
If you feel this post helped you in any way- please share! Would love to hear your feedback as well.
