Should you contact a recruiter for an informal chat, before you apply for that University Job?

In many job listings you will see that recruiters offer the opportunity of an informal chat with the Head of Department, Dean or a member of the recruitment team. An informal chat can be a valuable step in your job search journey as it can provide you with insights about what the organisation are looking for in the successful candidate, and this may not always relate to what you read in the advert. It is also an opportunity to make an impression, so that when they see your application they can link it with you. However, as many applications are anonymised, we are always a little dubious about how this forms part of a fair recruitment process. That said, it is worth approaching these conversations with care and meticulous planning, as you can make the wrong impression in this informal chat.

Here’s the UniJobs guide to the dos and don’ts when reaching out for an informal chat with a recruiter.

The Dos:

1. Research Before Reaching Out:

Before initiating contact, thoroughly research the university or college and the recruiter you plan to connect with. Understand their institution’s values, mission, and the specific role they are hiring for. If you understand the recruiters research interests and teaching needs, this will help you guide the conversation, and this knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment.

2. Craft a Concise and Personalised Message:

When making initial contact, keep your message succinct and personalised. Introduce yourself, mention the purpose of your connection, and express your interest in their institution or the available position. Be specific about why you’re reaching out to them in particular, and what you would like to gain from the informal chat, as well as how much of their time you are asking for.

3. Highlight Mutual Interests or Connections:

If, after doing your research about the organisation and the person you are speaking to, you share common academic interests or have mutual connections, subtly mention them. Establishing common ground can create a more comfortable and engaging conversation. Recruiters will appreciate candidates who have taken the time to understand the academic community and how they may fit into it.

4. Propose a Specific Time Frame:

Respect the recruiter’s time by proposing a specific time frame for the informal chat. For example, in our experience, a typical Senior Lecturer job may attract around 50 applications, now if all 50 interested applicants asked for an hour of time each, this would simply be too much of an ask for the recruiter. We suggest a 20-minute online conversation is more than sufficient. This also demonstrates your professionalism and makes it easier for the recruiter to schedule the conversation into their busy agenda.

5. Prepare Thoughtful Questions:

Consider the questions you’d like to ask during the conversation. Typical questions relate to areas you could not find out answers to by doing your own research and reading their publicly available information: for example, you could ask about culture, expectations for the role, or any unique opportunities they offer. Thoughtful questions not only demonstrate your genuine interest but also convey your preparedness.

 

The Don’ts:

1. Avoid Generic Messages:

Generic or overly formal messages may signify that your message is spam and may be rejected by university email systems and directed to junk mail folders. Recruiters will receive numerous inquiries, so make yours stand out by tailoring it to the specific context of their institution and the role you’re interested in.

2. Don’t Overshare Personal Information:

While it’s important to introduce yourself, avoid oversharing personal information and adopting an informal approach. Keep the focus on your professional background, academic achievements, and your interest in the institution.

3. Don’t Be Overly Persistent:

If a recruiter doesn’t respond straight away, or is unable to accommodate an informal chat immediately, respect their schedule and avoid being overly persistent. Give them time to respond and, if needed, follow up after a reasonable interval. In your follow up email, you may wish to indicate that you appreciate they are busy, and reduce the amount of time you were asking of them.

4. Refrain from Overloading with Questions:

While it’s crucial to ask questions during an informal chat, refrain from overwhelming the recruiter with an extensive list. Recruitment teams are busy and they will be taking time out of other tasks to speak with you, or speaking with you between commitments. Prioritise your most important inquiries to ensure a focused and meaningful conversation. When chatting to your recruiter, be mindful and ‘read the room’ – if they seem busy, keep it short, and avoid interrogating them. Remember, you want them to see you as someone they can work with.

5. Avoid Being Unprepared:

Lack of preparation can be a red flag for recruiters. Avoid asking questions that could be easily answered through basic research is definitely not good and will damage your application. Instead, focus on ones that demonstrate your genuine interest in the institution and the specific role.

 

To summarise, we highly recommend reaching out and having an informal chat with recruiters but remember that this requires a balance of professionalism, preparedness, and genuine enthusiasm. By following our dos and don’ts, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate these conversations successfully, making a positive impression on recruiters and advancing your academic career aspirations. Good luck.