What to say to a recruiter if they call during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mystery Woman

Tell us more for better jobs, advice
and connections

Don’t miss out on new opportunities.

Update your profile

YOUR TOPICS

Your feed isn’t personalized yet. Follow topics like career advice, lifestyle or health.

YOUR GROUPS

Discover and join groups with like-minded women who share your interests, profession, and lifestyle.

COMPANIES YOU FOLLOW

Get alerted when there are new employee reviews.

YOUR JOB ALERTS

Get notified when new jobs are posted.

Your post is published!

Rebecca Marsch

04/04/20 at 4:01PM UTC

Career

What to say to a recruiter if they call during the coronavirus pandemic.

You might think that, with the economy at a virtual standstill and record numbers of layoffs, companies would be hitting the “pause” button on their efforts to fill job openings. That’s not as common as it may seem. Says Kathleen Duffy, CEO of the Duffy Group, a global recruiting firm, “We’re especially busy right now, trying to find the right hires for critical roles.” With so many people now working from home, she adds, phone screening interviews are easier than usual, since potential candidates are free to discuss a new job opportunity without worrying that nearby colleagues will overhear the conversation. Wherever you are the next time a headhunter reaches you, here are four essential questions to ask. -----> https://fortune.com/2020/04/01/recruiters-getting-a-job-during-coronavirus-hiring-scams-covid-19/

8 Comments

Join the conversation...

Anonymous

04/17/20 at 11:52PM UTC

I lost my job in February and not due to the pandemic. I am on LinkedIn and I received a message from a “recruiter.” I sent a couple emails and did not send my resume. When I sent a reply from my email through LinkedIn my message couldn’t be delivered! I definitely think it was a scam. Today I received an email from another recruiter who wrote in the message if I send my resume he will tell me about the job! Before the pandemic I was not getting emails from recruiters on LinkedIn! Hmmmm

Keila Alvarado

130

Creative Director skilled in writing & marketing

04/08/20 at 9:41PM UTC

Thanks for sharing. I find the questions on a general useful... Another broad question that could be considered to ask during anytime is the following as well because some job postings or recruiters don't detail this part: Is the job for permanent, temporary, or contract hire? I can't count how many emails, job ads, and voicemail I have received over the years where that is hidden to get as many applicants to be apply without knowing that.

Maggie S

982

Business and Data Analysis Consultant

04/08/20 at 2:47PM UTC

Great questions, but yes, not exclusive to the pandemic. Though I think "Can I set a time for you to call me back?" is a bit more acceptable now than it was before we were sheltering-in-place!

Anonymous

04/08/20 at 12:56AM UTC

The questions in this article are not particular to the pandemic. They are the same questions to ask anytime a recruiter calls. It is important to understand if the employer that the recruiter is working for is continuing to hire or if they are just building leads. That will help you identify the level of urgency that you should have with this contact.

4 Replies

Anonymous

04/10/20 at 11:56PM UTC

I agree with the above post! Please do not give out your information but instead try to screen the recruiter as to why they are calling you? Ask very detailed questions about the job. As you may not be aware many of them screen you for the employer, and as mentioned above. This is a disservice to you. They do not work for you or trying to help you but they are paid and work for the employer. You're best bet is to avoid using one, unless you must then be sure that they gain your trust first and be sure of certain white lies that may or may not be true and what they are telling you, especially if you are pushed or rushed into making a decision. Also there should be no references or you sending your resume before you are to see the employer and job opportunity! Be careful, as they tend to be edited without prior knowledge, so best you ask before hand that there should be no edits unless you agree. You can request that they send you more details in an email to diffuse the conversation!

User edited comment on 06/24/20 at 7:24AM UTC