The excitement of opening an email from a recruiter to see if you’d be interested in talking is undeniable. Who doesn’t like being pursued, right? And when there’s potentially a dream job on the table, it makes sense that you’d jump to a few conclusions after hearing from a previously unknown employer.
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The problem is that many people make some bad assumptions whenever a recruiter is the one who makes the first contact. While it’s a good thing to have employers chasing after you, here are a few things you shouldn’t get your hopes up about just because someone emailed you to discuss a position.
Getting an unsolicited email or LinkedIn message from a recruiter can be exciting. It means they see potential in you for an open position. However, this contact doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the job. It simply means you’re on the shortlist.
As a candidate, it’s important to understand what it really means when a recruiter reaches out and how to respond appropriately. Let’s explore this situation more closely.
You’re on the Shortlist, Not Guaranteed the Job
When a recruiter contacts you, it indicates you made it through the initial resume screening process Your background likely matches the job requirements well. This means
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You have the basic qualifications and experience needed for the role.
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Your resume stood out from the applicant pool. According to Glassdoor, the average corporate job opening attracts about 250 resumes.
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The recruiter sees you as a potentially strong fit. They want to discuss the opportunity further.
However you aren’t guaranteed the job or even an interview yet. The recruiter still needs to present you as a candidate to the hiring team. You’ll have to go through the full interview process before receiving an offer.
Don’t Skip Customizing Your Application Materials
Some candidates wrongly assume that because a recruiter reached out, they can skip tailoring their resume and cover letter. This isn’t the case.
While the recruiter may be interested in you, they aren’t the only person involved in hiring. Your resume and cover letter will still be seen by the hiring manager and other interviewers. Taking time to customize them is crucial, as these documents make the first impression on everyone you meet.
Assess If It’s the Right Fit Before Pursuing
It may seem foolish to turn down an opportunity you’re directly contacted about. However, just because a recruiter is interested doesn’t mean the role is right for you. Before pursuing it further:
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Carefully review the job description. Ensure the responsibilities and qualifications align with your background, skills, and interests.
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If the initial email lacks details, request a full job description from the recruiter.
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Consider any logistical factors, like commute time or required travel.
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Evaluate company culture and values. Make sure they fit with what you’re looking for.
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Determine if the compensation package meets your needs.
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Identify any red flags, like bad reviews on Glassdoor or signs of a toxic work environment.
Don’t feel obligated to apply just because a recruiter reached out directly. Be selective and only pursue roles that are a strong match for your career goals and preferences.
How to Politely Decline an Opportunity
If you decide the opportunity isn’t right for you, politely decline by responding:
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Thank the recruiter for thinking of you and reaching out.
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Explain that after reviewing the role, you don’t feel it’s the best fit at this time in your career.
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Wish them the best of luck with their search.
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Offer to connect them to other contacts who may be interested in the position.
This maintains a positive relationship with the recruiter, leaving the door open for future opportunities that are a better match.
What to Do If You Want to Pursue the Opportunity
If after assessing the role you’re interested in applying, follow these next steps:
Update Your Resume and Cover Letter
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Make sure your resume is polished and highlights the most relevant qualifications and achievements for this particular job.
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Write a customized cover letter that speaks to the recruiter’s specific opportunity, rather than a generic template.
Prepare for the Interview Process
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Research the company, role, and your interviewers to be knowledgeable and engaged.
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Anticipate likely interview questions and practice responses.
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Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of interviews.
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Review the job description again and think of specific examples of times you demonstrated the required skills and abilities.
Follow Up Promptly
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Respond to the recruiter within 1-2 business days, ideally the same day. Strike while interest is hot.
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Be enthusiastic in your communications and reiterate your interest in the role.
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Proactively provide your updated resume, cover letter, portfolio or other requested materials.
Following up quickly and professionally will continue to make a strong impression.
Recruiter Outreach Indicates Interest, Not a Job Offer
The key takeaway is that while recruiter contact is a positive sign, it doesn’t equate to a job offer. You still need to go through the full application and interview process, competing against other qualified candidates.
Approach the situation thoughtfully. Carefully assess if it’s the right fit. Customize your application materials. And follow through promptly and professionally. This will maximize your chances of turning the recruiter’s initial interest into a solid job offer down the road.
“I’m the Only Person This Company’s Considering for the Job”
When I was a recruiter, I made sure not to send anyone an email or reach out on LinkedIn unless I thought that person would potentially be a good fit for the role I had in mind—with added emphasis on the word potentially.
Receiving a message from a recruiter is a good sign that you’re on the short list. After all, a Glassdoor survey covered in Inc. says that the average corporate job receives 250 resumes, with only four to six of those people getting called in for an interview.
So, there are two things you should remember whenever an employer emails you about a job. First, you are (probably) on the shortlist. But, you don’t have it in the bag yet—and even more importantly, you will still be put through the rest of the company’s standard interview process before the team makes a decision.
“I Don’t Have to Worry About Customizing My Materials”
It would be easy to assume that because the recruiter was the person who started the conversation that you can also skip a lot of the standard steps. Tailored resume? Customized cover letter? If you’re like many people I’ve spoken to in the past, you might think that these are both a waste of your time. After all, you’re the one who the company is selling the role. Why should you have to do extra work, right?
However, here’s one thing that’ll probably never change: The recruiter who’s pursuing you isn’t the only person who will read your cover letter. And while the individual who’s recruiting you might be game to promote you to everyone else you’ll interview with, your materials are still the first impression you’ll make on each person you meet with during the process.
What the Recruiter Says & What It Actually Means
What does it mean if a recruiter contacts you?
If a recruiter contacts you, it could mean: They’re hiring. The recruiter’s employer is actively hiring and looking for qualified candidates. Recruiters research job candidates through one or more platforms to match profiles of potential candidates with focus keywords like “licensed practical nurse” or “experienced software developer .”
What does a recruiter do?
Recruiters also search for qualified candidates for new positions at a company. They interview qualified candidates to generate a list of qualified leads and learn more about the credentials of professionals in similar roles. This helps them customize the new position to match industry standards and choose the right candidates.
Why do recruiters reach out to you?
“If a recruiter does reach out to you, it’s because you have a specific skill set or project experience… so there’s already interest on our side,” Zaller says. But just because they’re interested doesn’t mean you don’t have to impress them — recruiters will lose interest if you can’t maintain professionalism or sell them on why you’re a good fit.
Should you send an email to a recruiter?
When I was a recruiter, I made sure not to send anyone an email or reach out on LinkedIn unless I thought that person would potentially be a good fit for the role I had in mind—with added emphasis on the word potentially. Receiving a message from a recruiter is a good sign that you’re on the short list.
