For recruiters
Win clients – without cold-calling
Looking for new search mandates? The main ways to new clients for recruiters and headhunters – and what applies legally to outreach.
Where new mandates come from
Network and referrals
Happy clients and placed candidates recommend you – the strongest but slowest channel.
Visibility as a specialist
Posts about your industry on LinkedIn and in groups make you known to decision-makers.
Open job ads
An ad that stays open for long shows real demand – a good reason for an offer.
Platforms with mandates
Companies post roles specifically for recruiters – no calls needed.
What applies to outreach
- 1
Email only with consent
Promotional email needs prior express consent, also towards companies (§ 7 UWG).
- 2
Calls only with a reason
Promotional calls to companies are only allowed with presumed consent, e.g. a visible need.
- 3
Present candidates only with consent
Profiles go to companies only with the candidate's consent – ideally documented with a timestamp.
- 4
Agree on terms first
Put fee, due date and replacement in writing before you send profiles.
- 5
No spam, no mass mailings
A few relevant contacts work better and protect your reputation.
What does a new client cost?
Cold acquisition mostly costs time: many calls for one meeting, many meetings for one mandate. On SilentHire you pay a fixed subscription and keep 100% of your fee.
Checklist: how to win the mandate
What convinces companies when choosing a recruiter.
Clear specialisation
Industry, function or region – offering everything looks arbitrary.
Fast response
Whoever delivers a suitable profile in the first days sets the bar.
Few, suitable profiles
Two good candidates convince more than ten CVs.
Transparent terms
State fee and conditions openly before the company has to ask.
Clean introductions
Anonymous candidate profile, a clear assessment and documented consent.
Search mandates without cold-calling
On SilentHire, companies post their positions anonymously for recruiters – for placement and temporary staffing. You propose suitable candidates with your fee and receive the contact details once the company accepts. No commission to the platform.
No payment details. Then a subscription from €129.95 per month – you keep 100% of your fee.
Frequently asked questions: winning clients as a recruiter
How do I win new clients as a recruiter?
Through referrals, visibility as a specialist, targeted outreach where there is a visible need, and platforms where companies already look for recruiters.
May I email companies?
Promotional emails need prior express consent, also in B2B (§ 7 UWG). Without consent you risk legal warnings.
Is cold-calling allowed?
For companies only with presumed consent, i.e. where interest is likely – such as an open position in your field. If in doubt, don't call.
What fee is usual?
For a permanent hire usually 20 to 35% of the first annual gross salary. For temporary staffing the hourly billing rate counts.
What does SilentHire cost for recruiters?
30 days free, then a monthly or annual subscription from €129.95 per month. SilentHire takes no commission; your fee is yours.
Sources
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026