How to get recruiters to contact you

If you are not yet ready to be actively looking for a new role, you can still increase your chances of landing a great role in the near future by being a strong passive candidate. As a passive job seeker, you can increase your chances of getting your next opportunity right in your linkedin inmail, or email.

Just because there are tons of open roles doesn’t mean they are the roles you want. And competition can still be stiff for the best jobs available. So how do you get recruiters to bring you the best roles? That’s where your LinkedIn profile can help.

Here are four tips to stand out as a passive candidate, so recruiters are more likely to reach out with the roles you want and engage with you as a top prospect.

Tip 1: Update Your Job Titles

First things first, make sure that your current and previous job titles are relevant to your ideal future role. Many recruiters are using keyword searches to find candidates, and you want your name to come up for the roles you want. If one of your previous roles catches their eye, they are more likely to take a look at your background as a whole and decide to reach out.

Additionally, some roles have titles that have evolved over time. If it has been a few years since you updated your title and the industry has changed how they refer to that position, now is the time to freshen up the title.

Example Titles

Let’s say I’m looking for a role as a People Manager at a software company. Here’s how I could update some of my job titles to maximize their relevance:

• Previous title: Front-desk Assistant
• Updated title: Assistant Facilities Manager
• Previous title: HR Manager
• Updated title: People Team Lead

Tip 2: Create Compelling Job Achievements

It can be tempting to think that recruiters don’t really care about the details of your profile, like the descriptions of each role. But those descriptions are an important way to include keywords that recruiters will use to find you.

So how do you figure out what keywords to include? Take a look at the job descriptions for possible dream jobs. What are the responsibilities and skills required? What is the title of the role? Be sure to include some of these in your current and previous job descriptions in your profile.

The way you talk about your achievements is also incredibly important. Make sure you talk about your roles in a way that is outcome-oriented, rather than merely stating a description of your day-to-day. Data-driven outcomes are a great way to show you did a great job and you knew how to measure it.

Example Job Descriptions

Previous description

Updated description

• Created weekly performance reports
• Created and updated 10 performance dashboards that led to 2 hours of time savings weekly
• Managed open enrollment
• Managed open enrollment process that led to 20% decrease in healthcare costs
• Oversaw front desk
• Ran front desk, checking in 80+ guests per day and managing 60+ vendors

Tip 3: Post a Fresh Photo

When’s the last time you updated that headshot? If it’s been a few years, it’s a good idea to go ahead and update your picture. Especially in today’s remote work era, you want to show that you can present a professional image for virtual work.

Example Headshot

What Not To Do

• Don’t post a shot with a one-note color palette
• Don’t post a shot where you blend into the background
• Don’t post a shot where you aren’t centered in the frame

What To Do

• Post a shot with a contrasting, neutral background
• Make yourself the center of the shot
• Make sure your face is clear and in focus
• Wear your best attire!

Tip 4: Get Active

Don’t be shy! If you haven’t engaged on LinkedIn before, now is the time to follow people you admire and interact with the people you know. Like and comment on posts from your connections, especially any about hiring. Even if it isn’t the right role this time, you will be top of mind for your connection.

When thinking about how you like, post, and comment, make sure to be sincere and respectful. It’s also a good idea to make connections in your relevant field. It’s even okay to reach out to recruiters directly, but be clear and concise about what you’re looking for, as they tend to receive a lot of messages.

Bonus Tip: Stay Curious

Even if you’re not actively looking for a job, finding the right role and being a strong passive candidate can feel tiring. Try to cultivate an attitude of open curiosity as you curate your LinkedIn. Think of what you can learn from your new connections and what you have to offer as a candidate. Then when the right role comes along, you’ll be ready to seize it.