If a headhunter reaches out to you but you’re not looking for a job, what’s the best move? Do you still reply, or just ignore it?
Plus, if you know someone who might be a good fit, would you pass along their name?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I'd still reply, it's just being nice to someone doing their job in my opinion. If you know someone who can be a great fit, i'd reccomend them for sure! It's a win-win for everyone!

like

And you might want to contact them in the future!

like

Reply, let them know you’re not currently looking, but that you’d like to keep in touch

like

I personally think it's fine to take a few interviews even if I'm not actively searching. If any of them turn into great offers, then I can always use it to negotiate my current salary.

like

I'd still reply. Even if you're not actively looking, it's good to build up those connections and relationships. I don't think I'd pass along a name unless I knew the job was a great opportunity.

I reply, doesn't hurt to be polite and you never know when you might be needing a contact another time. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend someone else either.

It depends- I say this because I get a lot of canned, spammy, doesn’t sound like a real opportunity type of messages.

Always take the call.

Always take interviews. I did and it led to a huge raise when I used it as leverage.

Always respond. Even if to say no thanks.

Definitely reply. Build your network, and you never know...you might get a better opportunity.

If I’m not at all interested I’ll try to send a recommendation or two. If I’m even slightly interested, I would continue the conversation. You never know. And you also might find out you really like your current position.

In the past, I usually thanked them for reaching out and let them know I wasn't looking, but would share the job posting with anyone I knew who was looking. If you know someone, I'm sure they would appreciate the referral! I will say, though, that now there are so many scammers out there that you have to be very cautious. One time I got a job opportunity sent to me by a recruiter based in another country. I was immediately suspicious. When I checked it out, the company they were supposedly recruiting for had dissolved a few years before. So yes, make connections, but make sure they are are legit.

I'd actually still engage with the headhunter. You'd be surprised how much you learn. You may learn that your skill set could earn a much higher salary elsewhere or that you've been selling yourself short in regards to title. I've heard speakers say that it is also good to look for jobs at least once per year to keep your skills, resume, and LinkedIn sharp. If you are totally uninterested, you've made the contact, and you can recommend someone else.

Why wouldn't you be looking? I'll always talk to see if it's a better role. You don't owe your current employer any loyalty. They have none for you.

It never hurts to have the conversation. And if you’re not interested but know someone who would be a good fit, reach out to that person to see what they think. Could be doing them a solid if it pans out and gives you a good opportunity to strengthen the relationship by showing you are looking out for them.

Related Posts

funnylike

Is it hard to find job with 1.5yoe ?
Or it is only me.

like

Do you use TikTok on your personal device? I want to gauge the community if the potential risks are worth using the app. I am a federal contractor but have a clearance. I am on the younger side so TikTok is very relevant to my peers, please don't shame me haha

likefunny

Any thoughts about onsite opportunities in SAP . Joining next month at T2.2 Level having 3.8 YOE

like

GDRX dump or hold

like

HR is scheduling the interviews without checking time with me. One interview was scheduled and then it was rescheduled to a different time at last minute. I wasn't available at that time so I mailed the HR for a different slot. They again scheduled it for a later date without checking the time with me.

like

What are some important Interview questions for Java Backend developer role, with 2 years java exp. For payment payments team?

Hi,
I have an interview with paytm for mobile application automation profile. Can someone help in telling me what questions can be asked? I hv 5 years of experience and 2 years into Appium.

Curious how folks are governing/auditing their HRIS data. Wondering if this always done it manually.

like

25th bday gift to myself. My first Omega and loving it 😌

Post Photo
like

How is the onsite opportunities in the coforge..?

HR called me and said this position is for onsite once the border gates are open...? Can i believe HR words..?
I am interested in Onsite opportunities.

like
like

Hello Fishes!

There is "Annual Flexible Compensation" compenent in the salary structure, is it paid monthly along with basic salary or as it has flexible word in the name , its given as per company's performance?

Thank you!

#creditsuisse

like

Hi all,

Anyone at Truist have any insight to salary range for a corporate treasury analyst position?

Asking before interviewing

Thanks!

like

Looking at the City of Chicago phase 3 guidelines for residential buildings and it says gyms should remain closed, but amenities can open (not pools) with limited hours and occupancy

like

Dating my bf for about 6 months and he’s best friends with his mom and tells her everything. He even told his mom about the one time I tried a drug, before I met him. I thought I told him in confidence and now I found out he told her. How would you feel?

like

Hi! Have any here gone the natural cycle IVF route? What was your experience like? Did you have success in growing your family this way? Would you recommend it to others?

like

Hi

Whats the criteria to get promoted from CL 9 to CL 8?
it takes min how many year?
Whats the hike percentage one can exoect while this promotion?

like

How many offices are there of TCS in gurgaon and at what locations?

like

Looking for roles in smaller firms 5-500M in revenues (not public but also not classic VC series a/b startups), any thoughts on how to generate leads for those type of companies ?

like

Additional Posts in Marketing

I've been trying to figure out why TikTok is so popular. I mean, I get it: it's easy to use and fun, but what's the ROI?

like

My boss refuses to take my advice and update our website, which is stuck in the 2010s. Why hire a marketer if you won't allow any changes to our marketing?

like

Tech startup or big tech company? And why?

like

A creative team I started working with recently has decided to ignore my every comment. They take feedback from anyone else but me, and whenever I push them to make said changes, they just pick fights and make snarky comments. Anyone have any idea why this might be?

like

Moving into a new role to support marketing efforts of two smaller divisions under our brand umbrella. When I asked my boss what the job description was to create year end goals they told me to write one. . . Where do I start?

like

Currently trying to figure out how to create effective marketing strategies for people in the 60+ age group, any pointers from people who have done this before?

like

What steps should I take to become a marketing manager in 4 years? I'm currently a coordinator but I'm very goal-oriented. Determined to achieve this!

like

What do you do to increase the chance of your content going viral?

like

I joined an agency about 2 months ago and every single day I get more responsibilities, to the point that I don't even know what my actual job title is. I'm frustrated, to say the least.

like
like

I was recently hired by my dream agency. I get creative freedom, flexible hours, and I can work from home if I feel like it. Always keep looking for better opportunities, you never know when one might show up!

like

Hi! I started at a new company 2 months ago and while I’m really enjoying my job so far, I’m having a hard time gauging whether or not I’m doing a “good job.” My role seems to be always evolving, which is fine and I actually enjoy being a support to the greater marketing team, but I feel like I need better defined targets to make sure I’m meeting expectations. Also, when I ask my boss what they’d like to see, I don’t ever get a clear answer. (Cont’d in comments)

like

I’ve seen quite a few people online talk about how digital marketing is dying or on its way out because of AI and other automation tactics. Is any of that true, or are people just overreacting?

like

Wondering if anyone can share the approximate timeline after applying to Target Corp. to hearing something from them. Applied 9/1 and on the applicant portal the status still says “in progress.” I got a great internal referral, but I’ve not reached out to the hiring manager. 😬 I know there were a few hundred applicants — what’s a realistic timeline and what could I say to the hiring manager if I reach out to them. Many thanks.

like

I have an interview with JP Morgan this week for a Channel Marketing Manager - VP role in the Asset Management area. The role will be based in NYC. Just curious what is the normal range for the base salary and total comp.

like

I am an email marketing specialist. I am approaching my one year at my new job. I have been going above & beyond. I have been recognized by my boss that I have been doing great as well. I have been implementing new strategies, completing all assignments on time, and I do the most in all of our meetings, interviews and business events. How much can I ask for a raise?

like

How do some agencies take all the awards yearly while others get severely shafted?

like

Hubspot is getting way too expensive for my small business and they don’t care at all that they are pricing loyal customers out. What’s a more affordable alternative?

like

Why do clients always think I should be able to double their ROI right away... it takes time folks, and putting extra pressure on the marketing team does not make us faster

like

Wish me luck: I just took a job at a new agency in which I'll get paid double as the creative director for a team of 30 people. I'm ecstatic, this is my dream!

likeuplifting

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal