What I’ve learned by saying “Yes” when a recruiter contacts me
In the past few months I have decided that whenever a recruiter contacted me, I would say yes to a call to exchange with them, even when I knew I was not the Jedi they were looking for.
I’ve reached now the symbolic number of 100 and decided I can share a little bit of my experience. Note I took into account such channels as LinkedIn messages, email or direct calls.
Quick statistics first:
- 35% of these interviews were a complete waste of time
- 48% were a shot in the dark
- 17% were actually great interactions with real potential for collaboration
To be honest, I was quite surprised to even get 17 meetings/calls that were actually done by good, professional recruiters. It seems so much less when you look at the other interviews I had.
Waste of time
What do I categorize a waste of time interview?
First of all, we have those recruiters that send you a message on LinkedIn about a great role as an intern/nuclear physicist/doctor for an “amazing” company when you have 8+ years of experience in IT!
Then you have those that ask you if you would be interested in a role (generic name) and when they call, they ask you why should they consider YOU for the position. Usually they do not understand when you say that without more details about the responsibilities and the context, you are not actually interested yet.
Then you have those that agree for a call at the specific time, call you 2 hours later when you are in a workshop that you are driving with twenty people, and get upset that you do not have time to speak to them.
You also have the “Oops! I have realized that you are of no interest for my role so I will not respond to the questions you have sent”.
Overall, these 15–20hours I have spent could have been used for developing a new skill or improving existing ones.
I do admit it taught me to ignore such behaviour and not give them a second thought. It also made me want to stop responding to such request. As a freelancer though, it is wise to still see what the cat brings in, just in case. Because then you have other types of interviews.
Shot in the Dark
Most of these interviews were not necessarily bad, but they did not go further the discovery interview and I still do not know whether one day I will get a call with a new opportunity.
Sometimes I do get those, but they expect me to leave my existing clients and go to work for them starting the next day. I am a freelancer, but I’m not drop everything for new shiny opportunities kind. I take engagements with my clients and respect them, so do not expect me to leave everything behind. Also, if you know you need someone for tomorrow, please call a week or month ago.
Sometimes these kind of requests are recruiting firms trying to enrich their databases, and it is a good opportunity but I do not count too much on those, as it resembles a lot to a lottery.
Tangible Opportunities
Well, 17 out of 100 is quite the number.
These interviews were a dynamic exchange with the person on the other side of the line and even when I was not the right profile, I kept in contact with them and knew that if they would reach out again they will understand that I am not a canned good on a shelf to take or to put back whenever they wanted.
They will first reach out to find if you will be available, what would be the constraints and understand if my objectives are still the same. After having this information they will either tell me straight away that the offer is not made for me probably and not waste my time or give me details and see if I would be interested.
And they have the jackpot of recruiting. If ever I am available I will reach out to them and if I know someone available I will reach out to them and if some day I need a new resource or someone I know needs it I will reach out to them.
Because they showed respect in establishing a relationship and understand that doing business is a two way street.
Overall, I will probably continue to say yes when someone reaches out to me as I will always expect to actually get to network with someone from the third category of recruiters and if I have to be patient with some that are there only for their gain, then be it.
