Networking with recruiters and companies

Submitted by Harry Bovik
in
General Questions and Comments
I am happily employed as a Software Engineering Manager at a Fortune 200 company. I’ve been at the company two years and enjoy my work, the people there, and our products. There are limits to growth within the company for someone with a software background, but I wouldn’t expect to hit those limits for several years if ever. Every couple of weeks I get calls from recruiters trying to fill open positions on my team. Every once in a while I get calls or email from recruiters trying to place me. And Google keeps calling… I’m not looking for a new job so I politely tell my callers “no thank you – I’m not looking at this time” but I feel as if I’m throwing away future opportunities. And it really kills me to keep saying “no thank you” to Google… I’d like to use this as an opportunity to grow my network while still being loyal to my company and not demonstrating any conflict of interest. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you, Harry
Submitted by Paul Moriarty on Tuesday April 15th, 2008 11:56 pm

Say, "No thank you, but let me check my network for people who may be interested and get back to you." Then do just that. You'll not only get recruiters who view you as a resource, but the folks in your network will think highly of you as well for showing that you are thinking of them.

Submitted by Tom Hausmann on Wednesday April 16th, 2008 3:31 am

[quote="hkbovik"]
Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you,

Harry[/quote]

Hi Harry, there is a MT podcast just for you!

http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/03/how-to-handle-headhunters-executiv…

BLUF: Take the calls and/or respond to their voice mail.

Build a relationship with them because you may have colleagues who are looking for a position. You never know, someday, it may be you looking for a new opportunity.

Submitted by John Hack on Wednesday April 16th, 2008 6:37 am

tlhausman is spot on. That podcast has some of the best advice in the entire MT library. Great companies disappear in a flash (BearStearns most recently) and you'll want good relationships with those recruiters if you happen to be in that situation.

There are other benefits; I'll be posting on that next month...

John

Submitted by Inactive Membe… on Wednesday April 16th, 2008 8:11 am

hkbovik - after listening to the podcast, consider this objective: you want to establish good relationships with a half dozen professional recruiters. Use the advice in the podcast (and what's already been suggested on this thread) to begin to "test out" the recuriters: see if they're responsive, if they acknowledge and value your referrals, if they return YOUR calls, if they take time to learn about YOU and not stay focused on their immediate search, etc.

Then, once you think you've got one of your half-dozen or so, put them into your ongoing networking routine by chacking in with them once a quarter, or when you hear of a candidate they might really want to know.

Build this resource so YOU can call on it when YOU might need it.

-Hugh

Submitted by Ian Nettle on Friday April 25th, 2008 5:34 am

[quote]Say, "No thank you, but let me check my network for people who may be interested and get back to you." [/quote]

I read the above discussion this morning and two hours later a headhunter rang me - I used exactly the line quoted above and they sounded genuinely appreciative. Hopefully I am building a new network!

This kind of immediately actionable advice is exactly why I come to this forum. Thank you.