If a recruiter contacts you...

[k3am]

I usually entertain the call. It's always good to get a feel for the market and it's opportunities.

[theborg7of9]

No harm in listening to them. And maybe you know someone else who would be interested.

[enigmaticdrscully]

I ignore it. I get calls from recruiters probably every week. Most of them are recruiting for jobs in states where I don't even hold a medical license anymore anyway, so it's just a waste.

[seamonster]

Depends on the job and location if I do more than acknowledge them and tell them I'm not interested at the moment. Usually it's for a state I don't want to move to, but I've had a couple that I would consider. I do at least acknowledge them in case I need to look for a job in the future.

[2chatter]

I respond. I usually lay out what I have - WFH, manage a remote team, flexibility, back up child care. None of them have been able to come close to that. But I figure it does not hurt to have a list of people who work in the world I do - should I ever need them. They are part of my safety net, and if I am laid off I will start reaching out to them (I have survived 13 RIFs in 8 years).

[welly01]

I mostly get emails and requests on LinkedIn. I usually ignore them. I used to respond but they're so persistent. They don't take no for an answer and keep asking questions and/or for referrals. If its a recruiter/company that I've worked with in the past that has my personal email, I might take the time to let them know I'm not currently looking.

Also, I feel like working with a recruiter can sometimes get you a higher salary. For my last position, the recruiter trying to fill the position contacted me and I ended up getting a $10k increase in salary. I have no doubt that he embellished my previous salary to get himself a higher bonus. It definitely worked out in my favor.

[indyrowergirl]

If it's an opportunity that I would have been interested in other than one facet (e.g. location, salary, etc.) I'll go ahead and reply.  In those cases, I feel like they at least looked at my resume and got familiar with my qualifications before sending the the profile.  If it feels like a wide email blast, then no, I don't reply.

If they call me, I'll at least chat for a minute or two, hear about the role, and let them know if either I'm interested or if I know someone who might be.  (I never give out the other person's details.  I go to the other person with the recruiter's name/number.)  I figure it can't hurt to have a few that I'm friendly with, in case I need one later on down the road.