Have you ever responded to a LinkedIn recruiter?

[bluepie]

I've ignored them in the past but l've had one today that is very tempting. Large reputable organisation and well known recruiter, I'm really tempted to respond and ask more about it, obviously I appreciate I'm being invited to apply, not being given the role ha. It just feels very scary as I am in a very safe civil service role which has been a lifeline during these Covid times and home schooling etc. The other role is further away and private sector, though well compensated. The role itself does look interesting though would need to know more about their current situation.

Any success or horror stories with LinkedIn recruiters?

I've had both, success in terms of I've had the chat with the recruiter, all sounded good, put an application in and ended up getting the job. The worst that has happened to me has been a complete mismatch in terms of job and what I was after (this has happened quite a few times, I sit there mentally scratching my head thinking, given my CV why on earth do you think I'd be interested in your job which pays half as much as the current one, and sounds a tenth as interesting?!), or that after I have the chat with the recruiter, all goes silent.

Basically it's just another way for recruiters to reach out and make contact with you, if they had your contact details from a database they would be doing the same thing.

There's no such thing as a "LinkedIn Recruiter", just a recruiter who has LinkedIn like 99% of them do.

So the question really is has anyone replied to a recruiter which of course they have - the industry is massive.

What it is that you're particularly interested or concerned about?

Ok ignore LinkedIn I realise they don't work for LinkedIn obviously, change the wording to recruiter via LinkedIn or ignore LinkedIn entirely, it's the first interaction I've had (well responded to) with a recruiter and I'm just a bit curious about it, how it works, what they do, what's the process? Any tips or warnings. We ended up chatting, and I do like the sound of the job, it's what I do now really but with a much bigger salary due to private sector role it's in, I've sent my CV so waiting to hear now if they want to "meet" me or not.

Yes of course.

Be aware that recruiters are mostly pre/l screening / long listing via these LinkedIn approaches - I wouldn’t get invested in anything at this stage, just wait and see whether they move forward and put you into a proper process.

Of course! I always reply and politely decline. Point them to someone suitable if I know of someone.

Who knows I might need them a year from now so it's never any harm to have some communication trail with a bunch of local recruiters.

@stealthbanana oh absolutely I know it's only my job title that makes me a potential candidate, they know nothing else about me so definitely not getting my hopes up!

Yes, I got a really good job that way, and so have friends.

@WishingHopingThinkingPraying oh I feel bad I always ignored them in the past! As I do the people constantly trying to sell me products argh. I've always worked in the public sector so never sought or found a job this way before.

Like PP here, frequently approached by recruiters through LinkedIn. Always take time to politely decline if not of interest, or take it further if it is. Never had a bad experience - usually has led to interview and a couple of times to a job offer.

Oh, but I do continue to ignore the sales/BD people "can I interest you in my new investment product/fund/platform?" usually clear that have done v little due diligence (including reading my profile) on what I do. I feel bad for them though: assume it is a numbers game to an extent and the lack of face to face networking means they are having to resort to LinkedIn.

I always respond to recruiters on LinkedIn - why wouldn't you? It's a great way to network. If the job they talk to you about isn't right for you, just tell them what you are looking for. Always good to help them out if you know someone who is right for the role too.

LinkedIn is THE platform to find jobs. Can't understand anyone who would ignore a recruiter - especially in this climate.

Sale messages are another story though!

@JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn as I explained I am public sector nearly always have been and never needed to seek a job this way, it wasn't out of rudeness I just thought everyone got those messages and that it wasn't particularly personal, this one was a much more fell fitted role which piqued my interest.

Yep always! Even if it's just a polite refusal. You never know when you may need these recruiters in the future. I've had 2 very very good roles directly from a LinkedIn approach.

According to Mitch Sullivan, On Recruitment -
You should always speak to

1. Inhouse Recruiters - They understand the role and have personally selected you - you stand a good chance. Approaching suitable candidates can save a lot of time and resources. Agency Recruiters - who own the vacancy they are invested in finding someone for the role - they will understand the job and the industry and are less likely to waste your time and bullshit you.

Avoid
3)Agency Recruiters who don’t own the vacancy, they are likely playing a numbers game - only speak to them if you are desperate to move jobs - you'll be playing a numbers game to - you both might strike it lucky!
4) Agency Recruiters who are idiots - you know the answer to this one already.

Ask the recruiter under what basis they are working and then make your decision.

@bluepie glad it's worked out for you. You should be proud of yourself that recruiters are contacting you on LinkedIn - they only contact people they think are really good at what they do