“Trevor, I’m finding it difficult to gain the attention of IT recruiters to help me find my next role. What should I do?”
This is a question I hear often and normally in a very frustrated tone.
Here’s the truth: while professional networking is the most effective way to secure your next role, recruiters are often the gatekeepers to opportunities that you might not have direct access to.
Too often, we view recruiters as “transactional.” We say, “They never respond!” and "They always ghost me". But here’s the irony: many job seekers treat recruiters the same way - transactionally.
As they say, two wrongs don't make a right. A purely transactional approach rarely works.
The key to developing relationships is to truly understand the people we want do develop relationships with, right?
So, do we need to spend some time to understand IT recruiters?
Let's delve into who they really are.
They are salespeople, often without technical backgrounds (which is not a negative, it just is). Just like everyone, they want to be successful.
They work for their clients (employers), not candidates.
Their roles are KPI-driven, in a competitive, high-pressure industry.
The industry is transactional, with a 25% placement success rate.
Many recruiters have faced job loss stress during tough times - just like the job seekers they serve.
Good recruiters value relationships but are busy. Strategic, consistent & value-based engagement can make them your true allies.
Here’s how:
Find the Right Recruiters: Those who specialise in your field and come recommended by colleagues....and those who respond and keep you updated
Stay Visible: Regularly check-in, engage with them on LinkedIn and share insights.
Help Them: Refer candidates or job leads.
Respect Their Time: Communicate clearly without venting frustrations.
Show Your Value: Make their life easy by tailoring your CV and highlighting your unique skills.
Express Gratitude: A thank-you goes a long way.
Be Persistent: Check in regularly without being pushy.
Working with recruiters is about building long-term, value-based connections.
Start today—find a recruiter in your field and send a thoughtful message.
Your next opportunity could be one conversation away.
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