Is there a way to phrase this and not burn bridges?

[Anonymous]

I am happy at my current job. I’m paid well, it’s flexible, and I have a very supportive network. Unfortunately, I was passed over for a promotion last year and have decided if it happens again this year, I will look to leave the company.

A recruiter reached out to me about a role at the higher level, but less desirable (not remote, not really the type of work I prefer to do, and a salary bump but not significantly higher). I took an exploratory call and would potentially be interested IF I end up job hunting.

If I am promoted to the next level, I would MUCH prefer to stay at my current company, but I will not know until a couple months from now.

Is there a diplomatic way to tell the recruiter I’m not interested at this time, but may be at a later date without burning a bridge? Or should I just consider this a lost opportunity?

[Anonymous]

"Right now I'm not looking to move, but that may change sometime in the summer. Can we touch base then?"

[Anonymous]

First, executive recruiters have heard everything, they have heard every response. Ever. Multiple times this week in fact. So don’t feel like you need to walk on egg shells with them. What matters is Your Transparency and. That they like you enough to call you again. Your face, your name needs to pop up into their head for this opportunity and all future opportunities. And when they have internal meetings about other roles popping up with their peers they have to recommend you, as in, oh I have someone for your role at F100!!!

So, with that mindet, you can phrase it a million ways…

I’m interested in that role, but I may not be ready to make a move until August timeframe. Given your conversations with the company and the hiring manager, how do you suggest we proceed? (Ask for their advice, They love to give it!) They may say, let’s delay until you have your ducks in a row, or let’s get ball rolling with one interview, or the company is hot to fill this now so maybe this isn’t the one but I’ll cal you next time. I promise you will not burn a bridge. And if you do get promoted and opt out of the process at some
Point the recruiter will double down on you for the next role because they know you are promotable. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

^thanks so much for these thoughtful responses: truly helpful!

[Anonymous]

I would actually go with this to your company.