At Good Insight, our team reaches out to hundreds of nonprofit professionals about jobs we’re recruiting each year. As an executive search firm, clients hire us to find them talented professionals ready to lead nonprofits, foundations, and associations. We research referral sources and potential candidates based on the competencies of each role, in addition to posting to traditional outlets like job boards, LinkedIn, and our monthly newsletter (register for Good News if you’re not receiving it!). 

Over the years, we’ve found that most people we email eagerly respond to our outreach. These calls introduce us to new talented folks, and help us brainstorm potential candidates and organizations for more research. Bonus, they often want to talk about the role for themselves! These folks become an important part of our network, and even if this role isn’t right for them, we get clarity on what they’d consider a good fit in the future.

At the same time, many of our outreach emails go ignored. And we totally get it–our inboxes are also jammed! 

Despite what the news says, the nonprofit sector is hiring. We’ve got a record number of clients lined up for the fall, which means we’re going to send out a record number of outreach emails for these roles. And we’re not the only executive search firm in this position.

Whether you’re planning your next career move, or “job hugging”–holding onto that job for dear life–we think that building connections with recruiters is always worth your while. For example, expand your network, learn about workforce trends, and reflect on your future career goals!

We’ve got some advice below about how to approach the conversation once you’ve clicked that Calendly link: 

1. Evaluate if the call is worth your time

When a recruiter slides into your DMs, consider these three questions to assess if the call would be worth your time and network.

• Does the role or organization align with your professional goals, skills, and values? 
• Does the opportunity seem like a reasonable next step in your career progression? 
• Could the call help you expand your network or gain insight into your industry, even if it’s not the right fit on paper? 

If the recruiter is working on this role, there’s a high likelihood that they’ll be working on similar roles in the future. If there’s some alignment, we recommend staying on their radar.

2. Build your knowledge of the field

Before you hit delete, consider that a 15-minute conversation can help you:

• Learn about sector trends, salary benchmarks, or leadership priorities
• Understand what skills and experiences are in demand
• Practice articulating your professional elevator pitch

Think of it as market research for your career. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be when the right opportunity comes along.

3. Be clear about what you want

If you’re open to exploring this role or others, be ready to share your motivators—your values, interests, and non-negotiables. Recruiters appreciate candidates who are transparent about what they’re seeking.

You might say: “I’m most excited by organizations that center equity in their mission,” “I’m less interested in institutional fundraising, but I would be interested in roles where I can focus on major gifts,” or “I’m really only interested in roles that pay $150,000 or more.” The clearer you are, the more likely a recruiter will remember you for roles that truly align with your goals.

4. Return the favor

According to the US Labor Department, 85% of people get jobs through their network. The hidden secret? It’s who you know who refers you to recruiters! 

We need your help referring great people in your network, particularly folks who might historically be overlooked. Review the job description and think of 2-3 people or organizations that might be good leads, whether they are colleagues or not, that you’d suggest the recruiter reach out to. This helps us create a network map of qualified individuals. 

5. Protect your privacy

Before you send along your résumé, ask how your information will be used and confirm that your current employer won’t be contacted without permission. Reputable recruiters will gladly explain the many steps in their process and respect your confidentiality.

6. Stay connected

Once trust is established, keep in touch! Follow the recruiter and their firm on LinkedIn, repost their relevant insights, and check in periodically to share career updates. Make a connection between them and a candidate for a role they’re hiring. Recruiter relationships can become a valuable part of your professional network—one that supports your career long after a single role is filled. 

7. A Simple Note Matters

Even if you’re not interested in the role, take a minute to reply. Something as simple as: “Thanks so much for reaching out. I’m not exploring new opportunities right now, but I’d love to stay in touch.”

Recruiters remember people who close the loop. That small gesture today could lead to a great opportunity months—or years—down the line. If you don’t respond, don’t expect they’ll circle back to you for future opportunities.

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In the end, responding to recruiter outreach isn’t just about saying yes or no to a job—it’s about investing in the relationships that will help you grow as a leader. Every exchange is a chance to learn more about the sector, reflect on your career, and strengthen your reputation. Recruiters often source from other recruiter colleagues, so we often pass along your name to colleagues in our field. 

The next time a recruiter reaches out, we hope that you’ll take the opportunity to engage with intention. You never know where a 15-minute conversation might lead!