Speaking from my own experience, I was raid recruited by Immortal Junka.
The raid recruitment grabs the attention of the new recruit.
At least it did with me.
I was unaligned, received countless messages from alliances, but ignored them.
Was somewhat bored with the game, but conducted my own raiding to gain experience with the war features.
Then I noticed someone had actually declared war on me.
I spoke with Immortal Junka in game about what his ideas were on declaring war on me, while he never actually attacked my nation.
And we started talking about things and I ended up finding a great active alliance that has helped grow my nation, and allowed me to contribute back to it.
Immortal Junka, as well as other members of our alliance, conduct raiding in a professional matter, targeting nations that are inactive.
Some never attack their targets, while others wait a few days before actually attacking, since it's a sign they are not active.