If you’re interested in a job in the tech industry, chances are good you’ll end up interacting with a recruiter at some point. If you build the right relationship with the right recruiter, you could find yourself in your dream job—but that can take some work.
What’s the best way to use a recruiter to springboard your career to the next level? Let’s take a look.
What to Do When Recruiters Reach Out
Recruiters evaluate a constant stream of candidates, so if one reaches out to you, consider that a win for your skills and experience. If they want a phone call with you about a job—or just to get to know you better—do some prep beforehand:
- Do your research. Before the call, research the company and the specific role the recruiter mentioned. This not only shows genuine interest on your part—it’ll also make the call less awkward, and allow the recruiter to move faster to the exact opportunity.
- Ask questions. Don't just focus on salary and benefits (although those are important!). Explore the team, company culture, and the impact of the position, as those are also important (you never want to work somewhere you hate).
- Explain your career goals. A good recruiter will want to know what you want out of your career. Explain what you want out of a new opportunity and your career overall. If the job on offer doesn’t work out, the recruiter may have future positions for you to consider.
Building That Recruiter Relationship
Sometimes, recruiters reach out to you. Other times, you may find yourself contacting a recruiting firm about a specific opportunity. In either case, it pays to have your resume, application materials, online profiles, and other public-facing career assets up-to-date. For example:
- Craft compelling online profiles. Showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. Optimize keywords to ensure recruiters searching for specific skill sets can find you easily.
- Engage with tech communities. Attend industry events, participate in online forums like Stack Overflow, and connect with recruiters on social media platforms like LinkedIn. If you can establish yourself as a thought leader, you’ll end up on recruiter radars.
- Connect directly with recruiters. See a recruiter offering an opportunity you like? Send a personalized message expressing your interest in the company and your skills.
It’s a Long-Term Thing
Recruiters are constantly looking for top talent. By showcasing your expertise, growth mindset, and genuine interest in the industry, you'll position yourself as a valuable candidate. Building strong relationships with recruiters goes beyond one specific job; they can connect you with “hidden” jobs that haven’t been posted with, and even connect you with other tech professionals who can help you on your job search.
And remember, your first interaction with a recruiter likely won’t land you a position. A successful recruiter experience will often hinge on fostering long-term relationships—eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity.
