The One I Forgot To Get Back To
I was curiously looking around LinkedIn for Solution Architects. One of my clients were hiring people day rate contracts, outside of IR35, which was handy.
I put the word ‘architect’ into my search and set a broad location, wanting to keep it as broad as possible. I’ve been bitten in the past by using fantastically detailed Boolean searches and then missing the talent I wanted to see.
I was on the 9th page of my search.
If you’re a recruiter reading this, you’ll know that feeling when your eyes start to glaze over and all the candidates merge into one.
My eyes cleared, a familiar name came up, mmm I’m sure I recognise this person. I immediately clicked the button to send a message.
As I did the last message I sent popped up, it read:
‘I have passed your details on and if you need anything in the meantime just give me a shout’
To my horror, that was sent summer last year and there was no follow up from me.
I was horrified.
My heart started racing and I didn’t know what to do.
How could this have happened?
Recruiters regularly get bad press for not getting back to candidates, you don’t have to spend long on Linked In to find someone shaming the industry.
I’ve made a point of ALWAYS getting back to candidates, even if it’s to say I have no news. It’s better than saying nothing.
Once the rush of dread had subsided, I sat thinking:
‘What should I do?’
Should I send a message to say sorry and beg for forgiveness?
Or shall I just call, hope they pick up and do my apologising over the phone the old-fashioned way?’
I picked up my phone and called, naturally it went to voicemail, and I left a VERY apologetic message. Then as every thorough recruiter does, I followed up by messaging in our previous conversation on LinkedIn.
‘I really hope they call me back,’ I thought desperately, I felt so bad…
Just after 5pm my phone rang, I didn’t recognise the number, so answered it cautiously.
“Hi Samantha, it’s (insert name here). I got your message earlier so thought I would call you back. Don’t worry; to be honest I just thought the role maybe hadn’t gone ahead so I hadn’t really given it another thought,” they said casually.
“Thank you so much for calling me back,” I sang warmly.
“I was so worried, and I’m so relieved to be able to speak with you.”
My heart rate started to slow down.
We had a relaxed conversation and I put a note in my diary to catch up in a few months when their contract will be coming to an end. Hopefully they will be someone I help in a few months.
Has reading this reminded you of someone you need to get back to?
Pick up the phone or ping them a note.
As a recruiter you’ve got nothing to lose; and you’ll feel a whole lot better afterwards. You might even make another placement this year.
Also, if you haven’t heard from your recruiter for a while, give them a ring, I’m sure they’d appreciate it.
