YMMV but you should have a few specific requirements to respond to a recruiter if they approach you.Mine are:<p>■ Make sure you are ready with as detailed information on the client as possible. This includes client name, , location, salary/rate information, contract type (W-2, C2C etc.) at the minimum. If you do not give out at least some of these in the first call, don’t bother calling the candidate. Remember they do not need you as much as you need them.<p>■ If you do talk to the candidate, be honest and specific. If you don’t have a piece of information that is asked for, tell them you will follow up and do exactly that.<p>■ Do not tell the candidate that this position is so urgent that you need their Resume by tonight or the deal is gone. Top candidates do not like to be pestered. If they think it is worth it, they will send you the Resume without tantrums. If you absolutely need to express urgency (client is interviewing your competitors candidates and wants to decide quickly etc.), please mention that politely. Top candidates know that there is no such thing is URGENT REQUIREMENT that must be filled overnight. Hiring managers do not mind waiting for the right candidate usually.<p>■ If the candidate decides to send you their Resume, you have done a great job at convincing them that the opportunity is worth exploring and you are worth trusting. But this is half battle won. The candidate expects a lot more from you from here on.<p>■ Keep the candidate updated with any progress etc. If you sent the resume to client/hiring manager, let the candidate know. If the hiring manager is waiting or sitting on it, let the candidate know. Top candidates like to be in loop even though they might not be desperate for that job and can wait for months if hiring manager is sitting on the resume. But for the love of god, update the candidate at least once every 7-10 days. You can drop a 1 liner “hey the hiring manager is still sitting on it<p>■ Do not just take the Resume and then stop existing for the candidate which means you never get back to them afterwards. This is the worst thing to do ever. If you are not interested anymore in working with the candidate or the client is not interested,let the candidate know asap. Remember, they do not really need that job as much anyway. The reason is that if you do need to work with them in the future, they will not consider you again. Top candidates are always in demand by many clients.<p>■ Treat the candidates with respect. You might be experience in what you do but remember that top candidates are also great at what they do. If you don’t respect their time, they will not respect yours.