Turn a Pass into a Partnership
How to Handle a Recruiter Call for Better Tech Career Options
You don’t have to take every job a recruiter pitches when you’re a former federal employee targeting career growth in tech. A $80K cold-call gig won’t get you to $10 million deals, especially if it’s a step backward from what you’re doing now. Passing on it doesn’t end the conversation. That call can build a bond with a reliable recruiter who knows the market. Offer something useful, like sharing their job with your network, and use it to get insight on better options.
Ask what they want—skills, quotas, deal sizes. Figure out their focus first. Then explain why it’s not for you. Tell them you’ve got experience and contacts, and you’re looking for more—bigger pay, a better role, a clear shot at the C-suite. Lay out what it’d take to get your attention. Don’t hold back on the specifics. Maybe it’s $150K base plus commission, a title like “Director of BD,” or a firm with a track record of promoting fast.
Next, tell them you know plenty of aspiring former feds shifting to tech who might match. Offer to pass the role along. Sharing it saves the recruiter effort. Explain you’ll text it to some colleagues who might fit or know someone who does. Message your network with simple details: “Got a sales job, $80K, tech firm. Here’s a link to the role; I just spoke to the recruiter. Know anyone?” Track who responds so you can follow up.
Then ask what else they’re filling that’s more aligned with your goals. Tell them, “I’m looking for bigger—$10 million-plus deals, VC-backed, early stage, whatever fits. As I’m sourcing my network for the role you contacted me about, check yours for something closer to what I’m after.” They’ve got fellow recruiters and contacts—there’s nothing wrong with expecting them to dig on your behalf. If they take your offer, tell them, “I’ll send it out this week—let me know what you find on your end.” You’re setting up a mutual arrangement. Push for clarity—ask them to name specific firms or roles they’ve got in mind.
Follow up in a week: “I shared that job—did anyone I sent it to reach out?” Then push, “What about those bigger roles—find anything yet?” If they haven’t, ask, “Who do you know that recruits for roles like that?” You’re keeping it moving, not begging. Recruiters work with people who add value—bring it, expect it back and you’ll get closer to the jobs you’re targeting. If nothing turns up, stay in touch every quarter or so—they can update you on openings when they’ve got them.
Have some other strategies for approaching these types of conversations? Why not drop a comment or a question?
