A recruiter has contacted me for a job that is several levels above my current remit and given they contacted me through LinkedIn, that should be apparent to them.I'm a long term snr manager at a tier 1 firm and the role is seemingly mid level partner, albeit at a lower tier firm.Why would they contact me for a role that is quite a big stretch, aren't they wasting both our time?

1) They view your experience at the 'better' firm as good enough to at least discuss the higher role at the firm they are recruiting for.2) They just want to get your full details so they can push other vacancies your way.I've started to get quite a few messages from recruiters on Linkedin and most of the time the roles they are offering are either unrelated to me or a significant step in level - in both directions... Good luck.

I agree with Corona on points 1) and 2) and wouls alos offer the options...3) they're not very good recruiters, so don't appreciate the gap.4) they find it easier to get in contact/identify you than your boss and are using you to get info on you firm org chart so they return and contact a more senior person about the job.Point 4) is why so many recruiters ask you "so at E&Y, do you work for Bill over in Ops Excellence?" you reply with "No, my practice manager is XXX, but my project manager is yyy and my mentor is zzz".You think they're validating your position, but really they are scouting.

[quote]Why would they contact me for a role that is quite a big stretch, aren't they wasting both our time?[/quote]Commission. If the customer is urgently looking for someone, there is a chance they will take you, cha-ching. If not, and the customer rings the recruiter to complain you were too junior, bingo, they will just blame you and say you talked a good game, always had their doubts, etc etc. Another reason why not to fall for it, or at the very least, go the interview and be modest or acknowledge the gap but explain why you think you are ready for the challenge (if, indeed, you do feel that way)