Did you know that close to 45% of Recruiters use LinkedIn messages as a way to connect with potential candidates?
Whether you’re in the market for a new role or not, it’s likely that this will happen at some point in your Automotive Engineering career. And do you know how you’d reply if you were headhunted in this way?
In this blog, we provide some useful tips for responding when you receive a LinkedIn tap on the shoulder so you can make the most of career opportunities right now and into the future.[ALP1]
1. Weigh Up your Interest in the Role
Recruiters will have found your LinkedIn profile through a number of channels such as their existing network, by searching key qualifications or skills that match your CV or because you’ve switched on the “Open to Hearing About Opportunities” on your profile.
Either way, it’s worth remembering you are under no pressure whatsoever to be put forward for the role. In fact, you can see it as a flattering exercise where your good name and experience have caught a headhunter’s attention.
Depending on how happy you are in your current job, you’ll probably know quite quickly if you want to proceed even if it’s simply finding out more details about the role. Armed with additional information, you can draw up a pro and cons list being sure to compare the new opportunity against your current job.
2. Do Your Research
Before you respond to the Recruiter’s message, it’s worth doing some preparation work to put yourself in the best possible position.
Reread your CV and refresh it if need be, paying particular attention to any key skills and experience that align with the role
Research the Automotive Engineering recruitment consultant and company via their LinkedIn profiles and websites
Note down any further questions you have about the position, business, and company culture
In this way, you’ll be ready to go if the Recruiter follows up with a request to send your CV through and if there’s any additional information you’d like to know about the role.
3. Respond Promptly
Whether you are interested in the role on offer or not, we recommend responding politely and promptly. After all, the Automotive Engineering industry is relatively small so it’s useful to stay in touch with Recruiters throughout different stages in your career. Not only can they keep an eye out for roles that match your skill set, but they can also provide useful insight into industry trends such as salary benchmarking and changes in benefits and perks.
If you like the sound of the role and want to find out more, reply thanking the Recruiter for reaching out, along with a request for more detail such as the position description. You might prefer to connect via a phone call, so you can mention that as well.
If you don’t want to be considered for the role, let them know. Thank them for contacting you and briefly explain why you aren’t interested. Mention you will connect with them on LinkedIn (if you haven’t already done so) and that you will reach out if you are ready to explore your job options in the future.
4. Keep the Lines Open for Future Opportunities
If you are still open to hearing about other roles, offer to send the Recruiter your updated CV and let them know the types of roles that would be of interest. Perhaps you’ve just started a new role and want to stay with your current employer for a certain amount of time. Or you’re right in the middle of a project that you want to see through to the end but would be interested in when it’s completed.
It’s also helpful to have frank discussions about things like salaries, benefits and other perks that are important to you such as flexible hours or hybrid roles. This helps the Recruiter build a picture of what you’re looking for and how best they can support your career goals in the future.
Summary
Being approached on LinkedIn says a lot about your professional presence, skills, and experience whether you’re actively looking for a new role or not. It should give you a confidence boost as it clearly demonstrates your industry value.
It also provides an opportunity to build a relationship with a Recruiter, even if the position is not right or needed at present. From helping you build your industry network, to getting access to valuable insider intel about individual company pain points or culture, a specialist Automotive Engineering Recruiter is an important partner in your career.
At Fields and Rudd, we always enjoy connecting with new and potential candidates at various stages of their careers. We also have an ever-changing and extensive selection of exciting Automotive Engineering jobs in areas such as connected cars, e-mobility and autonomous driving. Feel free to get in touch with one of our experts to find out more.