Effective Strategies to Get Responses from Recruiters When Your PSW is Ending Soon

If your Post-Study Work (PSW) visa is ending in less than six months, time is critical. Many job seekers reach out to recruiters once, don’t get a reply, and then stop trying. This approach rarely works. To increase your chances of getting a response, you need a clear strategy that shows persistence and professionalism. Here are three practical steps to help you connect with recruiters and improve your job search success.

Find the Right Recruiters

Not every recruiter hires for your specific role or industry. Sending generic messages to random recruiters wastes your time and lowers your chances of a reply. Instead, focus on finding recruiters who specialize in your field or work at companies you want to join.

• Use LinkedIn’s search bar with keywords like “graduate recruiter”, “tech recruiter”, or the specific job title you want.

• Add the company name to narrow down recruiters working there.

• Look for recruiters who have recently posted jobs or shared updates related to your industry.

• Save their profiles for personalized outreach later.

  
  

By targeting the right recruiters, you increase the chance that your message will be relevant and noticed.

Personalize Your Outreach

Avoid sending generic messages such as “Can you check my CV?” Recruiters receive many such requests daily and often ignore them. Instead, write a message that shows you have researched the recruiter and the company.

Try this approach:

• Start with a polite greeting and mention the recruiter’s name.

• Reference a specific job title or role they are hiring for.

• Briefly highlight your relevant experience or skills.

• Ask if similar roles might be available soon.

  
  

For example:

Hi [Name], I noticed you’re hiring for [Job Title]. With my 3 years of experience in [Skill/Industry], I’d love to know if similar roles are coming up.

This kind of message shows you are serious and have done your homework. It also invites a conversation rather than just a yes/no answer.

Send Multiple Polite Follow-Ups

Networking is a process, not a one-time message. If you don’t get a reply after your first message, don’t give up. Send at least four polite follow-up messages, leaving about one week between each.

• Keep your tone respectful and professional.

• Remind the recruiter briefly who you are and why you’re reaching out.

• Show enthusiasm without being pushy.

• Each follow-up can add a small new detail about your skills or interest.

  
  

For example:

Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my previous message. I’m very interested in opportunities related to [Job Title] and would appreciate any advice or updates you can share.

Consistency shows recruiters that you are serious and persistent. Many recruiters respond after multiple contacts because they get busy or miss the first message.

Additional Tips to Boost Your Networking Success

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a clear headline, professional photo, and detailed experience.

• Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry and participate in discussions.

• Attend virtual or local networking events to meet recruiters and professionals.

• Keep track of your outreach efforts in a spreadsheet to stay organized.

  
  

What to Do Next

If you’re looking for personalized guidance to help you land the right sponsored job, we’re here to help. Our experts can guide you through effective networking strategies and interview preparation to give you a competitive edge in the UK job market.

👉 Click here to book your free consultation and start taking actionable steps toward landing your next job.

Remember, networking is a skill you can develop. The more you practice, the better your results will be. Don’t wait until the last minute—begin today and stay persistent.