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Sara Given
Sara Given

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How snarky are you when responding to recruiters?

I have gotten multiple LinkedIn messages this month from random recruiters asking if I'm looking for a job/open to new opportunities. This isn't anything new, only difference is I started a new job at the beginning of November... I mean it wouldn't be completely impossible for a person in my situation to be looking again, but pretty unlikely.

Am I asking too much that a recruiter look at my profile before reaching out? Would it be too much for me to respond in a way that makes it clear that I'd expect that before actually connecting with them on LinkedIn? Or am I better to just ignore?

Top comments (5)

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katnel20 profile image
Katie Nelson

Hey Sara, for me I would think about keeping my options open.
Respond with something like: Thanks for thinking about me, but I'm not available at this time. Offer to let them touch base with you at a later date. You never know when your current job could turn sour.

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loufranco profile image
Lou Franco

Totally agree. I use a canned response for those that did 0 work (or the message seems automated) and I write a custom one if a recruiter seems to have looked at my profile a little.

I don't usually connect, though (I used to, but the connections are so weak that they ruin any searches I do for 2nd degree connections)

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smallbellows profile image
Sara Given

Oh, that's a good idea, reply but don't connect. I usually ignore or reply & connect, didn't really realize that I could reply without connecting.

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mpuckett profile image
Michael Puckett • Edited

Ha! I regret to say I have responded with snark or frustration. I can say now, definitely ignore rather than respond.

Their process is so automated and numbers driven, they are basically just bookmarking a bunch of profiles in their database, so don’t feel pressure to respond (but still be flattered you made the cut)

I would turn off post notifications/delete the app from your phone when you’re not looking. And the first line in your bio could say Not looking, just found a great job I love.

If they send a follow-up, press the canned “Not interested” button as a minimal courtesy to get them off your back.

Last thought— lots of people have second thoughts after taking a new position and really diving into the culture, so it’s not unreasonable that they would still include you in their list of potential candidates.

Love culture topics, thanks for posting

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smuschel profile image
smuschel • Edited

I started a new job in October yet still am getting messages from recruiters. I usually write a friendly reply telling them I'm not interested, because I might be interested a few months down the road.
I remember one situation, where somebody sent me three different job offers in a short period of time and wanted to connect (not LinkedIn) - I replied to the first two messages and blocked him on the third.

But in general I think that these folks are doing their job so they deserve some kind of response. The quality and friendliness of the response depends on the quality of their message.