Don’t Decline That Inmail

A Random Inmail from a Recruiter Just Arrived – Now What?

First off, you should feel flattered! If your LinkedIn profile caught the eye of a headhunter – well done!  You should feel great about the effort you put into describing what you do. The right keywords and a coherent career progression are what made me use an expensive InMail to reach you.

Not Looking to make a move right now? Don’t Just Decline my Message! Here’s Why…

Some of your peers panic at the idea of being in contact with a headhunter. Rest assured that chatting with me does not mean you are saying yes to a new job, and it will not set off a loyalty alarm or turn on red a light on your manager’s desk.

Other LinkedIn users don’t know that I cannot respond when my InMail is Declined. Katie, for example, asks if I can give her more information about the job. But I can’t- not because I don’t want to, but because LinkedIn won’t let me.

“Declining an Inmail is actually Blocking the Recruiter”

Don’t Leave Me Hanging

For some people silence is an acceptable response in both their professional and personal lives. I know that lack of response to my InMail might mean you are not interested, but that’s not always the case. Many of my candidates miss my first message in their busy inbox, others neglect to check LinkedIn and never see it. These candidates show interest when approached for a second time with the same job opportunity. To keep the InMail pending will only result in the headhunter looking for an alternate way to get ahold of you- don’t get upset if I make your phone ring!

The Better Way to Say No (thank you)

If you already have a very rewarding job and have no intention of leaving it anytime soon, you should still accept the headhunter’s InMail and let them know you are happy where you are. This gives the headhunter the chance to wish you all the best – and in Katie’s case, tell you more about the role. Don’t hesitate to redirect the headhunter to a friend who you know is looking for a new job and would be a great fit for the role.

Don’t Be so Sensitive 

If you are open to new opportunities, but the role was not in line with your level or area of interest, don’t take offense. Different titles mean different things for different companies and a good headhunter never makes assumptions. Let me know what your ideal job looks like and help me realize that you are a better fit for that other position I’m working on- the one you will love.

Help Me Help You

Relationships are all about give and take.  I’ve got the tough task of finding a needle in a hay stack for my clients, and whilst you might not be the right needle I need right now – there’s a good chance you might know someone who is the perfect fit – please do send me your friends details

1. You’re helping your friend (bonus points + loads of good Karma)
2. You’re helping me – And you can darn well imagine you win mega points in my books which goes a long way in keeping you top of my mind for all those amazing future opportunities that cross my desk!

So go ahead and Hit Accept, let’s chat, and let’s see where that takes us.