In this episode of Recruiting Conversations, I'm breaking down one of the biggest pain points in recruiting: what do you say when a recruit isn’t ready to move, and you’re stuck between disappearing or sounding like “just checking in”? The answer: show up with value. Here's how to pivot from awkward follow-up calls to intentional touchpoints that build real trust—and how to do it without creating content from scratch.

You’ll learn how to become “the journalist,” how to lead with curiosity, and how to stand out in a sea of recruiters who are all saying the same thing.

Episode Breakdown

[00:00] Introduction – The core recruiting challenge: how to follow up without sounding like you're chasing. [01:00] The Mindset Shift – You're not a recruiter. You're a leader, mentor, and value-bringer. [01:30] Be the Journalist, Not the Story – Don’t create content. Curate it and deliver it in a way that matters. [02:30] Tactical Delivery – Hooks matter: subject lines like “Today is my last day” grab attention. [03:00] Follow-Up Frequency – Every six months is a great checkpoint if you’ve made deposits of value. [03:30] Real-Life Example – Using AI and a recruit’s actual data to build a 12-month roadmap in 15 minutes. [04:00] Physical Touchpoints – Send books, handwritten notes, and PDFs that matter (ex: One Word by Jon Gordon). [04:30] Passive Pursuit – Keep showing up with value, even when they’re not ready. You’ll be remembered when they are. [05:00] Final Challenge – Stop “checking in.” Start standing out. Use varied channels and intentional messaging to lead with value.

Key Takeaways

• Be the Journalist – You don’t need to create new content. Curate what’s already out there and add your unique insight.

• Lead with a Hook – Use curiosity and tension to cut through the noise. Make them want to engage.

• Bring Real Value – A personalized roadmap or thoughtful book is more impactful than a generic check-in.

• Stay Consistent – Use varied channels (email, text, social, mail) and keep making deposits over time.

• Be Remembered, Not Forgotten – When you follow up the right way, you won’t feel like an interruption—you’ll feel like the obvious choice.

Recruiting isn’t about nudging people until they cave. It’s about building a follow-up system that brings value, stands out, and creates connection over time.

Want to elevate your follow-up strategy? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a coaching session at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s build a recruiting experience worth remembering.