What is the goal of the introductory call?
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Introductory calls are one of the first steps in the recruitment process. But many people don’t understand why such an initial call is necessary. After all, when you applied for a job, you included all the necessary details in your resume, and the recruiter has seen your LinkedIn profile, so why do you need an additional call?
There are several reasons for calling about a job application:
- The recruiter has to confirm that you are interested in the position.
- They have to make sure you are a good fit, and they can schedule the first interview.
- Something in your resume wasn’t clearly understood, and they must clarify.
- The recruiter may want to learn more about you and explain the project.
- They want to prepare you for the process.
Get to know each other
Many people take the introductory call as the first part of the hiring process. These calls exist to facilitate communication between the candidate and the recruiter. Recruiters want to set expectations for the project and make sure that the candidate is comfortable and really interested. On a short call, both parties have to learn more about each other and establish trust.
This way, it will be much easier to have an open and transparent conversation. It is your introduction to recruiter but also as a candidate you have an opportunity to share your career goals, confirm the salary expectations, and talk about the things you arelooking for in a new employer. If the candidate is honest and open, the recruiter will be more likely to refer the candidate to the hiring manager.
Short Screening
Another big part of the introductory call is a short screening process. The recruiter has to have a brief conversation with you to see if you are the right fit for the job title. There can be other openings at the company that will suit you better, and it’s the recruiter’s job to find the best opportunity for you. Even if you applied for one position, it might turn out that the company has another open role that can be your real dream job.
During this call, you have to show that you are active and interested in the position. Today, many candidates participate in recruitment processes just to negotiate terms with their current employer. This tactic is a huge red flag for every recruiter. Nobody wants to waste time on a candidate who isn’t really interested in switching jobs. Your recruiter will want to understand your perspective, and thanks to this, the whole process will be easier for both of you.
Tailored offer
All of us are aware that candidates can choose between employers, but that’s precisely why recruiters make the introductory call. Intro meetings result in recruiters having a better understanding of candidates' needs. This way, they can tailor the offer to you. Most recruiters just pitch the job and describe the company, but we know that a career change will impact your life. For this reason, the recruitment process should be optimized for you. At Maxima Consulting, we believe things should be easier, and it’s our job to help you advance your career.
How can you prepare for the introductory call?
You can do a few simple things to prepare for an introductory call. If a recruiter has contacted you before, be aware that this call will happen sooner or later, and it’s good to be prepared. A prepared candidate who knows how to answer most of the questions is often the best, but you can’t predict every question. Follow a few simple points to make sure you are ready.
1. Read the job description
Are the listed responsibilities in line with the things you do today? Recruiters often reach out with offers for new, completely different positions, and the new tasks may surprise you. Take 10-15 minutes and ask yourself a few questions:
- Which experiences are the most relevant based on the short note you received?
- Do you have the needed skills for the job?
- Are there some things you’ll have to learn?
- Are you currently at the best place for your career?
- Do you want to change something in your job but feel stuck?
- Is it an opportunity you’ve been dreaming about?
2. Update your resume
We update our resumes every few months or even years. During that time, many new things can happen. What were you working on in the last few months? If it is something interesting, mention it in your resume. Add the certifications and recent skills you acquired. Don’t forget to pay attention to the format. We wrote an extensive article on this topic. Check it out if you want to create an outstanding resume: How to write an IT Resume 2022 with a template.
3. Think about your future
When thinking about your past, think about your future too. Where do you want to be in a few years? Are you on the right path? Will this opportunity help you grow? You should also think about your family, will a raise increase your status? If you are expecting a child, some additional dollars can make a huge difference in your well-being. Decide what you want to achieve and let the recruiter know about your plans. If the job offers opportunities to climb the ladder, they’ll tell you.
To sum up
Introductory calls have a simple goal: to facilitate the recruitment process. The recruiters get to know the candidate and their motivations, and the candidate learns more about the role. It’s a short conversation that will help you find the perfect job for your career. You just have to be open and explain what you’re looking for.
If you are looking for the next career opportunity, check out our open positions. We are a people-centric company that specializes in managed IT services and tech workforce solutions (like recruitment process outsourcing or build-operate-transfer) for global companies needing technology expertise. Our recruitment team is always there to help talented individuals find the perfect job.
