Are you pursuing leads that typically don’t engage with external recruiters or agencies?
About a month ago, my company closed its doors, prompting me to pursue a more independent recruitment career. I’m reaching out to potential clients, and as someone who’s still getting the hang of sales, I’d love some advice on handling this situation: If a company indicates they have a policy against partnering with external recruiters, should I continue to follow up with them? What’s the best approach in this scenario?
RCadmin
It’s great to hear that you’re taking the leap into independent recruitment! When you encounter companies that have a policy against working with external recruiters, it’s essential to approach the situation thoughtfully.
Assess the Situation: First, consider why the company has that policy. Many companies may have had negative experiences with agencies in the past, so it’s crucial to understand their perspective.
Respect Their Decision: If a company has a clear policy against using external recruiters, it’s important to respect that. Chasing too aggressively might damage your reputation and relationship with them for future opportunities.
Build Relationships: Instead of pursuing them for immediate placements, focus on building a relationship. Find ways to engage with them on platforms like LinkedIn, contribute valuable insights, or provide useful information related to their industry. This can help position you as a trusted resource.
Follow Up Strategically: If you do choose to follow up, do so sparingly and strategically. You could ask if their policy is firm or if there are certain circumstances in which they might consider working with an external recruiter (e.g., for specialized roles). Offering value, like market insights or candidate pools without any obligation, can open up dialogue.
Be Patient: Policies can change, and a company might re-evaluate its approach when faced with a specific hiring challenge. Keep the lines of communication open, but don’t be overly persistent.
Focus Elsewhere: While it’s good to have a few companies on your radar for future possibilities, invest your efforts in businesses that are more open to collaboration. This will likely yield better results financially and in terms of building your network.
Starting any new sales journey can be challenging, but with a thoughtful strategy and respect for potential clients’ policies, you’ll be more likely to build lasting relationships. Good luck!