Why would I want to speak with a recruiter?

You are sitting at your desk and the phone rings. It is an Executive Recruiter calling to speak confidentially with you about a position that a client has asked them to fill. You are gainfully employed, happy in your current role and not actively looking for another position. So, why would you want to take the time to speak with a recruiter?

Here are some things you might want to consider:

1. Although you are currently happy in your role, don't assume that there isn't something better out there. Isn't it worth a few minutes of your time to see if the opportunity could potentially get you closer to your career goals and/or improve the quality of life for you and your family?
2. If the position isn't right for you, why not refer the recruiter to someone else who you know? Many executives feel uneasy doing this however you could be doing your colleagues a disservice by not referring them. What if this was their dream job and you just kept them from learning about it? Think about it the other way, if one of your colleagues became aware of a position that you would love to have, wouldn't you want to be able to make that decision for yourself? Additionally, don't assume that a colleague isn't looking just because they are employed or wouldn't relocate because they have lived in the same place for a long time. It is doubtful that you know everything going on in your colleagues' lives just like they would not know everything that is going with you.
3. Think longer term. Perhaps this position isn't right for you or anyone in your network. However, many times, establishing a relationship with a recruiter can pay off down the road. Once the recruiter learns what is important to you, he/she can keep you abreast of opportunities that align with your goals. Let them be your eyes and ears in the industry. You don't have time (or desire) to scour the want ads or jobs boards plus many senior level positions are not publicly posted.
4. Many people feel that they are being disloyal by talking to a recruiter about another position or are afraid that their boss might get mad. Think about those concerns for a minute. First, loyalty. Everyday, there are stories about corporate layoffs and downsizings. Many of those people impacted are long-term employees who have been "loyal" to their companies. Loyalty is often a one-way street. As for being afraid that the boss might find out and get mad - is that really the environment that you want to work in? 
5. The best time to find a new job is when you have one. When you are employed and exploring other opportunities, you have leverage because you don't have to take the position if it is not truly better than what you currently have. If you walk in one day and discover that your position has been eliminated, your leverage is gone.
6. Take the opportunity to make sure that you are being compensated fairly for your labors. If you have been with one company for a long time, you lose perspective on what other companies are paying for people with your skills. Consider this, merit (cost of living) increases, during normal times, average around 3%. People who are employed and make a career change to another company typically see increases of 10-15%. 

As a former executive in corporate America, I was guilty of not taking recruiter calls because I "wasn't looking", "was happy" and "was in my comfort zone". It was a case of the proverbial - a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. Looking back on it, I did myself a disservice by not networking with recruiters.

Now, as a professional in the Executive Search industry, it is extremely satisfying seeing people who were "happy" and "not looking" taking advantage of new career opportunities that truly change their lives for the better.

Next time the phone rings, it could be opportunity calling.