At the risk of maybe some redundancy over the last year, I think this is an important question you need to ask yourself. If a recruiter is reaching out to you, is there any harm in talking to one? The answer, like many answers in life, depends. “What does it depend on?” I hear you asking, and the answer is a follow-up question, “Is the recruiter a recognized expert in your field?” That is the most important question you need to ask if you are lucky enough to receive a call from a recruiter or any contact for that matter.
Who Has The Intel?
You Or The Recruiter That Is A Recognized Expert In Your Field?
You may be saying to yourself, “That’s a very bold opening.” The truth is you are lucky to be receiving a call or an email from a recognized expert in your field. That is not to say that every expert is going to have a perfect fit for you; however, you will receive valuable intel when you talk to a recognized expert. Let me elaborate. A recruiter is much more than a job peddler or a position pusher. A recruiter that is a recognized expert in your field knows things are aware of trends that you, a professional in the field, are not aware of. Hiring firms share a great amount of intel with recruiters that they respect. In fact, many recruiters are known to be on the inside and are sometimes more aware of what is happening within a company than the employees that work there.
Let’s Talk Money
Recruiters are also in touch with not only the hiring practices of firms but are highly aware of what competitive salaries are. Many professionals will reach out to a recruiter that is a recognized expert to find out if they are being well compensated at their current firm and pay rate. This information is crucial for a professional to be on top of, especially in an economic downturn. If your salary is being adjusted downward or your bonus is not what you expected for some reason, knowing what other firms are doing may give you the peace of mind that you need if you are asked to take a reduction in your compensation. On the other hand, knowing what the competition is offering may be the catalyst you finally need to make a move.
Firms Are Always Hiring…Always.
Recruiters are well known for creating new positions that do not currently exist in the marketplace. As you may be aware, this is the specialty of H Friedman Search. We create positions that are tailor-made just for you. It’s our opportunistic approach. Even in economic turmoil, firms are still hiring; although you may not be aware of that, a recruiter that is a recognized expert is. For example, just because your firm is contemplating a RIF, there can be other firms that are taking advantage of the marketplace and hiring currently yet doing so quietly. Some of my firms are sharing that they are in a hiring freeze currently. However, out of the mouth of the hiring manager (not HR), I am told they are still interested in moving forward with the right candidate (usually the passive candidate). The process may be a bit slower, but they are still interested in moving forward with the hiring of that one very special candidate. Ask yourself: if you do not take the call or respond to that enticing email, how are you going to know that you are not that one selected candidate?
What May Come With A Recruiter That Is A Recognized Expert
Opening your mind to a contact from a recruiter that is a recognized expert in your field can only add to your knowledge base. You must trust that your name is not going to be circulated – in my mind the only reason why you should not take a call from that expert. Be very interested and responsive if you are contacted, and you may be surprised at what could happen next for you and your career.
Conclusion
You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at [email protected]. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. You can find our listing in the “supplier and services” section of the Red Book under the title of “executive recruiting.”
About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.