CHAPTER 13

How to Reach Out to a Recruiter

by Marlo Lyons

Recruiters are your best friends when they see you as a potential fit for a job. They also can be as elusive as a yeti when you’re trying to get their attention because you believe you’re the perfect fit for a job.

We usually think of recruiters as people who reach out to potential candidates, not the other way around. But in periods of great job growth and churn, recruiters can’t hire fast enough. If they’re that busy, how can you get their attention—and when should you try? Here are three steps to approaching a recruiter in a way that’s mutually beneficial.

Step 1: Know How Recruiters Work

A recruiter’s job is to understand each role deeply enough to (a) find the right skills and capabilities ...

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