Answering the Recruiters Call; how it will benifit your hiring process and more

It is not uncommon for organisations to ignore calls from recruiters they have worked with in the past, or who are currently working on roles for them. They are under the pump and do not have time to take a call that they do not believe will make them money. Little do they know, sometimes the call will not only make them money but can also save the money in the future.

Here are 6 reasons you should contemplate accepting the call before automatically pressing decline.

1) You could have the opportunity to gain a valuable employee from a competitor

Often when a competitor’s employee is looking to move, they will quietly engage one or two recruiters to test the waters before making it known in the market they are looking. This not only protects the candidate from shooting themselves in the foot but also is a quicker and more thorough approach. A recruiter might phone you up to discuss your organisations “future needs” yet is actually holding close to their chest the ideal candidate you would jump at the chance to employ. If you answer the phone, you have a chance to expand your organisation with the right employees, and give your crew a leg up over the competition

2) Market Intel

Recruiters speak to more than just one client, they also speak to a plethora of candidates on a daily basis. There is a wealth of knowledge to be tapped into if you have a strong relationship with your industry recruiter. By answering their call and having that 2-minute conversation, you are not only building a valuable relationship, but also have the ability to gain valuable insight you might otherwise not known.

3) They can introduce you to industry leaders you would like to work with in the future

Many recruitment firms have more than one area of expertise in their sector and have the capacity to introduce their clients to each other at networking events or even organise a meet at a scheduled time. The call you are deciding whether to answer or not might be an opportunity of the lifetime.

4) They need more information on the role they are working for you

For a recruiter to sell the opportunity on offer, they need A LOT of information, In saying that, there will be times that they will need to clarify information and a phone call is the best way to ensure they gain all the extra information required. This is very beneficial for both sides, as often roles change during the hiring process, and by keeping the recruiter up to date, they have a better chance of locating for you the perfect candidate.

5) They are trying to conduct a reference check with you on a past employee

A good recruiter will gain permission from their candidate to contact key individuals of organisations they know and have a relationship with. The reason is simple; great recruiters only represent clients and organisations who are aligned with their own values and visions, which means the next client your past employee is being presented to should have similar values. If you get a call for a reference check, it is likely the recruiter respects and trusts your judgement. They will be phoning to gain valuable insight into the work ethic of a prospective candidate, and if you would hire them again.

6) They are phoning for an update (Yes the dreaded update!)

Did you know candidates who are on the market and are actively looking often do not wait around for an offer if the company takes too long? A recruiter will phone a client to gain an update so they can keep the candidate informed, however, if the calls go unanswered, there is a very big chance your perfect candidate will slip through your fingers, and probably end up working for one of your major competitors.

Remember, recruiters may be seen by some as the sales people of people, but a great recruiter is also a phenomenal networker, introducer and an untapped wealth of knowledge. By answering the phone when your recruiter phones, and taking the 2 minutes to have a quick conversation with them, you are taking small steps to cementing a strong, lasting relationship that will benefit both of you in the future.