You’re busy. You’re in the middle of reviewing cost analysis reports on a new project and you get a call from a recruiter. Do you have time to talk a few minutes? Maybe not, but before you hang up, consider why you really should talk to a recruiter.

1. Time for a Change

You’re probably happy in your current position. I realize that. But do you plan to stay there your whole career? One day you’ll probably move for a better opportunity. Maybe today’s not that day, but it can’t hurt to know for sure, right? The best way to maximize your future is to plan ahead. You don’t want to make a career move when you’re unhappy. Why not take a few minutes today to talk to a recruiter and hear what’s going on in your market? You might be interested after all!

“Maximizing your future is planning ahead... Making a move when you’re unhappy is NOT planning for a future.” - Jim Coddington

2. Further Your Career

A good recruiter will talk about your career goals. Where do you want to be and how will you get there? They call it a “career ladder” for a reason. You grow your career by making calculated steps. At Kimmel & Associates, we take a unique career directed approach. We get to know you and your career goals. And when we call, you can bet that we have something that fits into your future.

“The best way to change your future is to create it.” - Peter Drucker

3. Strike While the Iron is Hot

You snooze, you lose! Construction is booming and predictions indicate a whopping 50% increase over the next few years. If you’re in construction, you have a golden ticket! Other fields, such as supply chain jobs, are heating up as well. When your skill set is in high demand—that’s the time to make a strategic move. Talk to a recruiter and consider your options. You owe that to yourself and your family. There’s a world of opportunity out there. Don’t let the parade pass you by!

4. Benchmark Your Worth

Talk to a recruiter because they know the job market. You may believe that your current compensation is fair, but do you know for sure? Recruiters have in-depth knowledge of the local market and can tell you if you are being paid what you’re worth. If you’re being undervalued, you may want to consider positions that would pay more or offer better advancement options to further your career trajectory. You should talk to a recruiter about your options, even if your best option is staying put.

5. An Ear to the Ground

Often times, recruiters go directly to competitors to seek out candidates. Talking to a recruiter could give you some insight into what your competitors are planning. A little juicy gossip and some intuition on your part just might give you a competitive edge. And if a recruiter is calling you, others in your company will likely be approached. Knowing what positions are out there and how much they pay will help you keep your company’s compensation and perks competitive.

6. Talk to a Recruiter, Build a Relationship

Every job is temporary. It’s a stepping-stone, a time for you to gain skills that will further your career. If the time is not right for you to make a move now, talk to a recruiter anyway and lay some groundwork for opportunities down the road. Form a friendship. Tell them the direction you want to take your career. That quick phone call can pay big career dividends in the future. At some point, you’ll feel the need to move on. And when that time comes, your recruiter will be ready.

There’s No Time Like the Present

Now’s the time. There’s always going to be one more project you want to finish. Don’t let that hold you back! Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube, said:

“Life doesn’t always present you with the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. Opportunities come when you least expect them, or when you’re not ready for them. Rarely are opportunities presented to you in the perfect way, in a nice little box with a yellow bow on top... Opportunities, the good ones, they’re messy and confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.”

So answer your phone and talk to a recruiter! It’s opportunity calling. Take a few minutes and find out what your future might hold.