Recruiters out there - do you even respond to online applications at all or do you just follow on referrals or applications through an external recruiter?

9 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 4:35PM UTC

   Of course we do. Yes, internal referrals go to the top of the list but often times they fail in interviews because they come in cocky or unprepared. You did not specify what kind of recruiters so I will assume you are speaking about internal ones to companies vs 3rd party agency ones. Quite different. You can no longer just apply take the time to write to those on linkedin or through second line connections that can help you get a foot in the door where you want to be.

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 19,2024 at 5:07PM UTC

   I absolutely respond to online applications. That's literally my job.

   They are my number one source of hires. Followed by candidates I have sourced. Referrals are a small portion on my hires and have been a small portion of hires throughout my career. The last three companies I've worked for have had referral bonus programs in place and I also ask for referrals.

   We only use an agency as a last resort when we have a critical opening where we're not getting enough candidate flow.

3. Danielle Bleser-FrenchApril 19,2024 at 7:20PM UTC

   Of course! I will be echoing a bit of what Joan already said. Most of my hires come from people applying online. Sourcing usually only happens if we are not getting a great candidate pool naturally applying (costs more time and money). Referrals? Oh referrals. Sometimes they can be good, but often they are not. They will get priority in as far as getting a phone screen from me, but often it doesn't go past that stage. I have had some great referrals over the years, but it does not make up a large percentage of new hires. Agencies? They are EXPENSIVE! They are truly a very last resort as the employer has to pay anywhere from 22%-35% of the yearly salary. If a role is $100k, that could mean up to $35,000 bill that employer has to pay.

4. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 1:29AM UTC

   I put in more applications than I get responses or interviews, but I spend a lot of time researching the company to ensure I am an appropriate fit, and I alter/edit my resume to match the JD (as best I can). I only use an outside recruiter for executive positions where the company only accepts applications through a third-party executive recruiter. These are also done online, so I can safely say that I do 100% of my applications online (as I don't know of any companies where that isn't an option anymore.) So far (and I have been actively searching for an executive position since December 2023) I have only had about 5-10% of my applications result in positive responses or interviews. Some positions I withdrew from because I discovered additional information about the company or position that made me not want to work there.

5. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterApril 20,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

   If I waited for referrals for every open job I had I'd never be successful. We post jobs because they need to be filled - usually yesterday.

   so I look at every applicant - but you'd be amazed at how many people apply for jobs they are not remotely qualified for ! Just because you apply doesn't mean you're a fit.

   Spend less time hitting easy apply and more time making sure you align with and can solve the problem the job is meant to.

   i.e., just because you think you'd be great at something, doesn't mean you have the job experience to back that up.

6. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 4:40PM UTC

   OP: As I stated in my original post, I do qualify. I do not apply for jobs that I do not qualify for. I have exactly the experience, certifications and degrees they are looking for. This is why I am surprised not to get any calls.

7. Amy KilpatrickApril 21,2024 at 1:34AM UTC

   Can I send you my resume then? I AM a qualified candidate, an employers dream candidate, ready to return to work while also finally getting to go back to college this fall to further my education! No kiddos, no busy family life, just simply want a balanced work/life where I can offer my 15+ years of sales/customer service skills to a wonderful employer looking for that model employee!! How do we get the attention of those recruiters screaming they can’t find qualified candidates when they don’t see us? Would love to hear from you. (Amydkilpatrick69@gmail.com) :)

8. AnonymousApril 21,2024 at 6:24AM UTC

   Great point, I feel exactly the same way!

9. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterApril 21,2024 at 6:22PM UTC

   I'll send you a note.