Your cell-phone vibrates in the middle of a meeting, a number that isn’t in your contacts. After your manic day of rushing around, conference calls, paperwork and endless coffees; you finally find time to retrieve your voicemail.
An IT recruiter has called you and is keen to talk. You’re feeling angry, how has this dude got your number? There is no way you’re calling him back and if he calls again you will…
Stop there! Don’t give this guy hell. For all you know, this call could be the most important call you will ever take. Here are five reasons why you should listen if an IT recruiter calls.
1. ‘My job is safe’
How do you know? The USA has been hit hard by the global economic crisis and millions of Americans have been affected. People who have been safe in employment for years; even decades have lost their jobs. Even some of the most skilled and educated workers have found themselves unemployed. You may not need the services of an IT recruiter now, but it’s always best to have a back-up plan. Be honest with him/her and tell them you aren’t looking to move, but keep their number anyway; you never know what’s around the next corner…
2. ‘A new IT job won’t be as good as the one I already have’
How do you know? IT recruiters work for some of the most prestigious clients in the world and are responsible for some of the most significant hiring. The biggest and best companies use the services of an IT recruiter for many reasons, including industry knowledge and contacts. The best client’s want the best people and offer some of the most lucrative remuneration packages to make sure they get what they want. If you are being called by an IT recruiter, then the chances are you have been researched very carefully; not only for your experience, talent and qualifications, but for cultural fit also. For all you know, this could be your perfect job…
3. ‘My salary is average for the IT role I am doing’
Maybe it is. But then again, maybe it isn’t. When was the last time you checked what you are worth? Some IT skills are becoming more sought after with the explosive rise of new technologies. Data Analysts for example are now in more demand than ever before. As talent gaps widen, clients are keen to hire the people equipped to do these roles. And with these roles often comes an awesome salary. What your role was worth a few years ago is not necessarily what it is worth now. An IT recruiter knows this. After all, it’s their job to negotiate pay packets. So, if an IT recruiter calls, give them a few moments of your time. You never know, you could be thousands of dollars a year better off for it!
4. ‘I am happy and I really don’t want to move’
OK fair enough and that’s fine, but what about your friend who has been stuck in the same job for what seems like forever? His salary is poor, his boss is an ass, and he isn’t using any of his IT skills. He would just love to be offered a decent job… Wait, this IT recruiter on the phone might just be able to help him! You might not want another job, but your friend might. Why not take the IT recruiters number and pass it on, you might just be able to help your pal out by doing so…
5. ‘Recruiters are just out to make a few bucks’
No, no and hell no! Recruiters do get a bad press. Like any industry, there will always be positive and negative (just like good cop, bad cop). Truth is, recruiters are well paid and so they should be. They don’t just work 9-5. They often work 12 hour days, seven days a week. They are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet. Their work ethic is unrivalled with most industries and that’s what makes them the best person to fit you with the right job. They are paid well to work hard and spend a lot of time researching the best people in the IT industries (you!).
So there you go, just some of the reasons why you should listen if an IT recruiter calls. You may not need one now, but you never know when you might do…