How to Reply to a Recruiter the Right Way

How to Reply to a Recruiter the Right Way The job search process is always a challenge! Many of us arent sure what to expect unless were in the middle of it, scrolling through job postings, debating how to network effectively, and puzzling over messages from recruiters. Recruiters can actually help cut down the time you spend job searching by quite a lotif you know how to communicate with them the right way. As many as 77% of recruiters are using LinkedIn regularly to find and source candidates. If your LinkedIn is up to date and optimized, youre likely to hear from a few people about your job search! In general, recruiters only have one goal: to find the best candidates for the positions theyre trying to fill. As a result, the messages you get from recruiters tend to fall into some common categories. Knowing this, you should be able to properly prepare for those contacts and provide a prompt, confident response to any message or email you receive. Here are four possible recruiter requests, and the proper way for you to deal with them. How to respond to a recruiter (correctly) 1. Are you available for a phone interview? This question might not seem like it would throw you for a loop, but you’d be surprised how many people get caught up searching for just the right words to use in their reply. Look, if they want to talk to you on a scheduled call, chances are that you’re still in the running for the job. Keep your response simple and to the point. For example: “I’d love to speak with you, and appreciate the opportunity. Please be sure to let me know if there’s more information that I can provide between now and then.” If they ask for times that you’ll be available, just include a quick line that provides those details. Yes, it sounds simplebut that’s really all that you need! 2. When would you available for another interview? Don’t be alarmed if you’re asked to come in for a second interview. This is a requirement for some companies that use tiered interviewing processes. Just reply with something short and sweet: “I look forward to the opportunity to meet with your team. I’m available (insert the best days and times). Please let me know which time works for you, and if there’s anything else that you need from me between now and then.” These days, many recruiters use tools to schedule interviews. If you schedule something through a link they provide, its still polite to send an email noting the time you have selected. 3. Do you have time for a chat? This question is usually not the prelude to a formal interview on the phone, and could be indicative of just about anything. That uncertainty could make you anxious, but that’s wasted emotion. The fact is that the company might want another interview, could have questions about your resume, or may simply want to hand down its decision on your application. Regardless, your response should be simple: “I appreciate you following up on our earlier contact. I’m available to talk (insert the best time), so if that works for you then let me know. Otherwise, I’m open to meet your scheduling needs. “ This response shows that youre flexible, open, and accommodatingnot anxious or desperate! 4. We’d like you to resend your resume to us. This message might raise an eyebrow when you receive it, but there’s no need for panic or concern. There are any number of reasons why your resume might get lost or damaged. Technological systems can be unreliable, and even traditional filing systems don’t always provide the results we want. Your electronic resume may have been accidentally deleted. Paper copies may have been misplaced. Whatever the reason, just resend it with a short message: “Thanks for contacting me again. I’m attaching a copy of my resume with this email. Please feel free to contact me if you’d like to send other materials as well.” Remember that your resume should be both optimized for an ATS and written to highlight your accomplishments rather than duties. That way, it will pass the computer scan and appeal to an employer. Summary Before you become paralyzed with anxiety about how to respond to any of these requests, keep one thing in mind: every single one of these contacts represents an opportunity to reinforce that positive first impression you’ve made with the company’s hiring personnel. Most of them provide an additional opportunity to continue your conversation with the company’s representatives, and they can all indicate that you’re still being considered for the job. With those things in mind, try to maintain your optimistic outlook and simply respond in the most straightforward manner possible. Above all else, respond promptly. Don’t worry that an immediate response might be seen as a sign of desperation. Quickly respond with the requested details, thank the recruiter for the contact, and then wait for the next reply. Once you learn how to reply to a recruiter in a simple and clear way, you’ll wonder why these types of contact ever made you nervous in the past. Related posts: The Difference Between a Headhunter, Recruiter, and Hiring ManagerHow to Find a Recruiter in Your Industry (Sample Email Included)The 5 Things Hiring Managers and Recruiters Look for in a Resume