Asking Your Professional Network for Recruiter Referrals

Recruiter Referrals

There’s a secret to getting recruiters to call you for jobs that most people don’t know. Instead of asking your peers for information about job openings, ask them for recruiter referrals.

What’s that? Recruiters typically reach out to their lists of qualified candidates asking if they are interested in their opportunity. When that candidate declines, the recruiter then asks for a referral. It sounds like this:

Recruiter:  Helen, I’ve got a really great CHRO opportunity for you in Dallas. I think you’d be a great fit!

Helen: Thanks, but the timing isn’t right. I need to stay where I’m at for at least another 18 months.

Recruiter: I understand. By chance, do you know of anyone who might be interested? Someone with your qualifications and experience level?

Helen: Yes, actually I do…

When a recruiter calls your colleague asking if they know of someone who might be interested in their executive employment opportunity, ask your colleague to name you. That’s a recruiter referral.

A client recently shared with us that she followed our advice to ask her network of peers for recruiter referrals. She shared she felt awkward about reaching out to those with a similar job title and experience about openings, so she tried asking for recruiter referrals. Within a few weeks, she received several calls and many of the recruiters shared they had heard her name mentioned multiple times by others.

This article focuses on the four steps to take for best results.

Target Peers in Your Network

Most executives know many others in their field of work who are at the same level in what they do. These are the people with whom you trained in your programs. They attend the same big industry conferences. In some cases you worked with them in the past. If you don’t have a very large network of people in similar roles, it is not difficult to make connections with them on LinkedIn. Most will readily accept an invitation even if they have never met you. Identify who these people are and build a targeting list.

Ask your Network for Recruiter Referrals

Reach out to your connections and start a conversation on either email or LinkedIn. Let them know you are considering a career change and would like to ask for their help in getting recruiter referrals. If your search is discreet, meaning you don’t want your current employer to know, ask them for discretion. Then, ask them for their help in identifying the leading executive recruiters who specifically handle the positions you share in common. There’s a good chance they either worked with a recruiter on a previous job change or have recently heard from some for other positions. Many of your colleagues will gladly help as they would want the same kindness returned to them when in a similar situation.

Sometimes it is challenging to identify which recruiters work in different segments and niches. A referral from a friend who has already identified several is a great resource. Additionally, it’s also good to know if this is a good recruiter who was knowledgeable, professional and helpful, or one who was largely a waste of time and effort.

It’s valuable to have the names and contact information of good recruiters in your field. It’s even more valuable to have a direct introduction from a colleague in the field. Ask the connection to make a quick email or LinkedIn introduction to the recruiter and the chances of getting their attention. Your connection wants to help. Don’t fear asking them for help. You are not a burden to them. It is giving them an opportunity to feel great about themselves for helping others. Don’t deny them that opportunity.

Get Referrals from Your Peers

Lastly, ask your network for their referral to recruiters who contact them. Your connections are accomplished in the field just like you. Recruiters reach out frequently to see if they are interested in the job they represent and/or who they might know to nominate. When you ask the peer to think of you it keeps you at the top of their mind for a while. The next recruiter who reaches out to them will likely yield a nomination and an outreach from the recruiter to set up a call.

Thank the Connection for Their Help

It’s always important to say thank you when someone provides their help. Sadly, many times people simply don’t bother. Not only is it impolite, it’s also a missed opportunity. When you thank someone for a referral to a recruiter and then keep them apprised of any subsequent developments they will likely keep you in mind for others as well. The candidates who don’t bother to thank the people in their network for helping usually get no more than the first referral.

Your network can be a great source of referrals and nominations to recruiters. The peers in your network have many of the same skills and experiences that you have. They are on the vine and hear from recruiters who have opportunities that might be of interest. Reach out to your network and let them know you are looking. Recruiter referrals will begin to come your way.

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