You’ve spent some time debating whether to flirt with the idea of hitting the “open to opportunities” button on LinkedIn. Eventually, you commit—you’ve done it! You’re curious to see what might be out there for you. But almost instantly, your inbox is flooded with InMail’s from well-meaning recruiters eager to help you on your journey. It’s a lot. It can feel overwhelming, and if we’re being honest, after 24 hours, you might start to regret going “open to opportunities” altogether.
It might be tempting to politely brush off a recruiter by replying to their “can we have a chat?” message with a quick, “just send the job spec.” Sure, we could do that… but will it really tell you everything you need to know? (*Spoiler alert*: it’s a hard no)
If you’re genuinely considering your options, wouldn’t it make sense to give yourself the best chance of finding something you truly love? A quick conversation could be the difference between an okay opportunity and the perfect fit.
So, why is it better to have an actual conversation with us instead of treating the job spec like an ancient manuscript revealing the mysteries of existence … or, like a map of Canary Wharf that doesn’t make you feel lost, confused, and questioning your life choices (because let’s face it, not even Citymapper has that one figured out)?
Let me break it down…
A job spec is usually just the highlights—the polished version that’s been signed off by HR, legal, and probably someone’s cousin. But the real story? The quirks, the challenges, the team dynamics? That’s the insider info your recruiter has because we have the relationship. The “unofficial” job description is where the good stuff lives. We’re not just trying to tick boxes—we’re trying to find the role that fits your career goals, your work style, and avoid the things you absolutely don’t want in a future prospect. Talking to your recruiter means getting the real story.
You can treat us like your own personal ‘Career Matchmaker’ (but without the blind date, and absolutely no one is going to try awkwardly kiss you) - Imagine going on a date with someone solely because they said they like coffee. Sure, you both enjoy a flat white, but five minutes in, you realise they think instant coffee is gourmet and their idea of “fun” is organising their sock drawer (there’s nothing wrong with this btw I’m sure it’s very zen)…but that’s what applying based purely on a job spec is like. Sure, buzzwords like “dynamic,” “innovative,” and “fast-paced,” might be thrown around but does it actually align with what you’re looking for? Or is it just a lukewarm cup of disappointment served with a side of vague responsibilities?
It’ll save you time (yes, really, I wouldn’t lie to you about this) - A quick chat helps you cut through the noise. We’ll steer you toward roles that actually align with what you want—no guesswork required. Ironically, asking for the job spec to “save time” often does the opposite. You end up applying for roles that look great on paper but aren’t the right fit. Cue wasted interviews, frustration, and wondering why you’re still job hunting three months later.
Your recruiter is (probably) not a robot - Sure, firing off job specs all day could technically be done by a robot… (and is sometimes…oh heey AI!) But recruiters are human— complete with real emotions, questionable coffee habits (yes, this is the second coffee reference… I’m working on it), and everything in between. Believe it or not, we actually enjoy having conversations—it’s basically our natural habitat, right up there with LinkedIn stalking and pretending not to panic when someone doesn’t turn up to an interview as planned.
There’s more legwork to it than just pinging job descriptions your way; we’re your advocate, your sounding board, and occasionally your unofficial therapist when you’re trying to figure out if you really want a new job or if you just need a holiday, a nap, or maybe a large glass of wine.
And I’ll be honest, sometimes our relationship with Partners is so good that the instruction comes through as a casual phone call one evening, and they trust us enough to present the opportunity without the need for a shiny PDF. So sure, we can rustle up a job spec for you on demand, but just know, a formal document might not even exist yet.
In Conclusion…
Job specs are fine and they’re a handy piece of kit… but they’re like reading the blurb on the back of a book. But if you actually want to know if it’s worth reading, wouldn’t you rather talk to someone who’s already finished it?
So next time you’re tempted to say, “Can you just send me the job spec?”—pause, pick up the phone, and have the chat. Your future self (and your recruiter) will thank you.
