Are you looking for a Job change? Wrong question to ask!
We have seen recruiters doing this quite often. Their past experience tells them that if the candidate is not looking for a job change then why to bother proceeding further. Why waste time?
And that’s precisely where they go wrong. Our research shows that most good candidates make their decision within the first 5 seconds whether they would like to continue talking to the Recruiter or not. And if not, the most convenient way to stop the conversation going forward is by saying they are not looking for a job change; especially if the call starts by asking if they were looking for a job change or not.
You can thus imagine the leakage that could be happening because of this single question, where the credibility of the recruiter is not built within the first 5 seconds.
On the other hand, brave recruiters, start their call assertively and on an even keel basis and their minds assume that they have something of value to offer to the candidate. Their belief is so strong that they convince themselves that even if the candidate may not be looking for a job, their pitch will make him/her think twice and may make them reconsider their plan.
While it is most likely that if the candidate is firmly not looking for a job change, the call may end politely and genuinely with a possibility of them recommending someone else they know who would consider the opportunity.
But imagine the impact it creates with candidates who are indeed looking for a job; or are open to a good opportunity if it comes by! The credibility, trust that gets built will go a long way in the entire hiring cycle and this recruiter would be a winner ultimately.
Be the Winner! Shortcuts don’t work all the time!
