Dear Mike:
An organization that I have been targeting for potential employment opportunities recently marketed two roles that fit my search criteria. I am in active conversations with one recruiter on one of the roles, but the second search is managed by a different recruiter in the company. I started to reach out on the new role, but am concerned that I will be perceived as someone who is casting too wide a net and perhaps too desperate.
If a candidate is going after multiple roles, is there a chance that they could be seen as not being serious enough for any “one” role?
Thanks,
Linus
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Hi Linus,
Nice to hear from you!
You are very insightful in asking if candidates who go after multiple roles risk being perceived as not being serious enough for any “one” role. In a quick answer – sometimes. I have seen 1st hand in my recruiting days where a candidate will apply to 3+ roles in a matter of minutes thinking that will give them greater exposure within an organization. At first glance, a recruiter may wonder if the candidate did the required work on their end to seriously assess their alignment to the opportunity. Often as technology leaders – we know that our skills can be applied across a variety of opportunities, but alas there are thousands of job openings and we know down deep that chasing multiple opportunities and throwing our resumes around can erode our credibility in the marketplace. It is probably fair to say that an executive recruiter might become immune to the noise and miss out on the instance where the candidate is a good fit for a specific role.
Rather it is better to build and foster genuine relationships with those in the executive recruiting sector. To facilitate as such – periodic checks in where you are seeking to assist the executive recruiter in a manner that may benefit them is a great start. Providing some insight on opportunities outside the firm that you have seen would be beneficial to any executive recruiter with a business development focus. Referral of candidates are also appreciated assuming the names are shared with the recruiter allowing them the decision on whether to connect with the referral versus a presumptive email cc introduction. Sharing an industry article or even a professional accomplishment can be a great way to check in as well.
In regard to your situation, I would maintain contact with the recruiter with whom you already have a relationship, and humbly approach them to garner their thoughts on the other opportunity. If you are open and share your concerns with them, asking their advice on whether the other role is a potential match or if it would confuse your candidacy – I am sure you will get an honest answer since they have the full perspective of the hiring organization.
Hope that helps!
Mike
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TNCR Community – what advice would you add to this thread? Do you have a perspective that you can share? Do you have a career question for Mike? Email him directly at mike.burgett@burgateglobal.com.
