Why do I hear recruiters say that it is an intrusion to call a candidate who isn’t actively looking? I’m tired of it. It isn’t an intrusion unless you are rude about the way you present yourself. It is FLATTERY!! I love receiving a call from someone trying to recruit me because they either found me to be in the top 10% of my field, or someone else thought enough of me to pass my name and number along because I’m all that and a bag of chips. Other than networking with EVERYONE, eventually you'll have to pick up the phone and make a cold call to introduce yourself. So the next time you pick up the phone and apologize for the intrusion before you even introduce yourself, use the emergency escape button (hang up the receiver) and repeat after me, “I am doing this person a favor because I could be improving their quality of life.” We sell opportunities not jobs.
Often times when recruiting top talent candidates may have received many recruiting calls before you were able to personally connect. Do yourself and the candidate a favor – stand out!

1. Be unique in your presentation and don’t be afraid to use tasteful humor that will put the candidate at ease. “I know I must be at least your tenth call today but I would really like to talk with you about why you are so popular.”

2. Make it about the candidate’s needs – not yours.

3. Say what you do and do what you say. So many times recruiters fail to make a lasting impression because they lack follow through and honesty. If you aren’t interested in the candidate then ask for a resume for future matching and let them know this isn’t the right opportunity. Or let a candidate know you aren’t their best resource and refer them to someone you trust. Isn’t that why recruiters all network with one another in the first place?