How do I get a response from recruiters?

[BarJon]

Many recruiters will not return calls or emails. Any suggestions?

[David Sandusky]

This comes up a lot. The short answer is you need to have a compelling and short msg that gets the recruiter and hiring manager exited to know more. Effective calls show homework has been done and you are adding value.

Keep this in mind: Recruiters and hiring managers get overwhelmed by candidates for open positions. What makes you unique? How can you help them? Answer the "So What".

Hint: always be networking and keeping your brand top of mind - not just when looking for a job.

[Milind]

This comes up a lot. The short answer is you need to have a compelling and short msg that gets the recruiter and hiring manager exited to know more. Effective calls show homework has been done and you are adding value.

Keep this in mind: Recruiters and hiring managers get overwhelmed by candidates for open positions. What makes you unique? How can you help them? Answer the "So What".

Hint: always be networking and keeping your brand top of mind - not just when looking for a job.

The follow up matters, always do a follow up by e-mail and then if needed by telephone.

[chris munro]

in addition to the last commetn about a valid usp - try helping them - if we are unable to talk right now can i help you with my network on some searches you may be working on - helps me!

[ChristianDeBlis]

A summation of what others said and some of my thoughts:

• Write a cover letter, with metrics, that describes your background, value and specifically, why you feel you're good at what you do. Passion is contagious, so try to be enthusiastic about yourself and your accomplishments.
  
• Attach a list of references with their feedback on your work and contribution in past endeavors. This shows me that they're thinking ahead, and that they're intelligent enough to demonstrate 'proof' or value to me. (This is one of the fantastic things about LinkedIn - social proof.)
  
• Follow-up once a week with phone calls/e-mails.
  
• Contact other recruiters within the firm if a particular recruiter isn't calling you back.
  
• Contact other recruiting firms, there are hundreds of firms, some better than others.
  
• Try to build relationships with recruiters, it will bring you benefits. Meet with them if possible. Show them that you see value in their time, their efforts, and in what they do. People like acknowledgement. (There's nothing more disrespectful than when someone disparages what you do, or doesn't value your time.)
  
• Refer friends/colleagues to recruiters you've built relationships with. They'll see value in their relationship with you and treat you as a higher priority.
  
• Use your network to find recruiters with a personal touch - these recruiters are golden, the ones with memories like a rolodex, and always a warm smile.
  
• Always offer your help - and mean it, because people gravitate towards symbiotic relationships. (Sometimes, people treat recruiters like cold-calling leaches - and when you treat them like another professional, they'll be your advocate.)
  
• As a recruiter, I develop relationships with people - with the long-term in mind. When I meet a candidate that's intelligent, passionate and kind - I strive to help them, whether it benefits me or not. It's karma.

I hope this helps answer your question --- and I think it poses a larger question. How do you get people, in general, to call you back? BE INTERESTING AND INTERESTED. That works for me.

[David Sandusky]

and I think it poses a larger question. How do you get people, in general, to call you back? BE INTERESTING AND INTERESTED. That works for me.

Great advice from an active recruiter!
Yes, the larger question about sales or in this case, selling yourself. Be interesting and interested, as Christian says. This applies to getting the attention of prospects, clients, your boss...
I would add, do your homework, ask great questions and add value...

[carter]

if you in fact belong, follow-up. Sometimes it is a test. Persistence wins when others give up.

[Puzzled]

I think you have to be the ultimate professional. As mentioned in this thread, always networking and stand out from the rest. But there is a numbers game reality. You will not connect with everyone and your pitch will not hit because of timing or style. So you have to hit many people like any other sales numbers game.

I think being persistent towards a good target is a way to separate yourself as long as you belong and can prove it.

[USTeam]

Great advice from an active recruiter!
Yes, the larger question about sales or in this case, selling yourself. Be interesting and interested, as Christian says. This applies to getting the attention of prospects, clients, your boss...
I would add, do your homework, ask great questions and add value...

This is a great post with a lot of insight. I think taking the time to do your homework helps you separate yourself to recruiters and anyone else. How many people go in blind and uneducated vs. totally prepared in your experience?
No doubt the response from recruiters will increase dramatically!

[BarJon]

I appreciate the thoughtful advice and comments. I have taken into practice and not only when looking for a job!