Dear Matt: I got a call from a recruiter. I don't know how he got my name but he says they can get me a better job and a better salary. Should I call him back and hear what he has to say?
Matt: As recruiters call around for possible candidates, they ask for contact information of other possible candidates. It could be that someone you know might have given the recruiter your name and number.
I agree with Carole Arndt, founder of St. Paul-based The Human Resource EDGE, Inc., (www.humanresourceedge.com), who says it never hurts to listen. While you may not be looking for a new job, you never know when that could change. Perhaps as you hear more about the job you might find the position is a good match for you. Arndt brings up another good point - not all jobs are posted on job boards. Some jobs are handled exclusively by search/recruiting firms, and unless they contact you, you will never hear of these jobs.
Catherine Breet-Byers, a recruiter for Arbez (www.arbez.com), a Twin Cities search firm that specializes in placing and finding marketing and technology professionals, says it's important to know what you want out of a job when working with a recruiter. If a recruiter has a job that seems like a great opportunity, make sure it really is the right opportunity for you - don't be awed by the fact someone is calling you to assist in your job search or by their persuasive pitch. Red flags should go up if the recruiter is trying to talk you into something you know is not in your best interests, says Arndt.
So before you dig into this too deep, Breet-Byers, says, ask yourself these questions: What would a better job be for me? What would better money be? Would you seriously make a move right now and why? What is missing in your current job? Once you know what you want, then ask the recruiter to tell you about the job, the money, the company, the culture - and decide for yourself. Ask questions like " Who is an ideal candidate? Why is this position open? How well do you know this client?
If it isn't a match this time, let the recruiter know. Because you did call back, you may have made a new contact and found one more person who can help you with your job search when the time is right - and that is certainly worth the time to hear the recruiter out.
Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. This column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.
