Learning to work with a recruiter is a key component to any successful job search. Here are 8 simple steps to make sure you are optimizing the relationship with your recruiter.
1. Find a good recruiter that specializes in your skill set
There are two ways you will come in contact with a recruiter. The first way is they will find your resume or Linkedin profile and call you as a potential candidate for a position they are looking to fill. The second way is if you are actively looking for a job and make the initial contact with the recruiter. Either way, it is important to work with a recruiter that specializes in your skill set. otherwise its a waste of your time and the recruiters time. Figure this out early on in the conversation and if there isn’t a match, ask if there is a recruiter that might be a better fit for you.
2. Make sure you make a great impression
A recruiter is your bridge to a job. They have a relationship with their client and they are always trying to amaze them with good candidates. So if you impress a recruiter, they are more likely to feel comfortable submitting you to the client.
3. Build relationship on trust and good communication
Be honest with a recruiter about your capabilities and background. Recruiters get multiple positions over time and being honest will make it more likely that you will eventually find the best fit for your skill set. The recruiter will also appreciate your honesty which will foster a solid, long-term relationship. Expect the same from your recruiter.
4. It’s your responsibility to stay in touch
Recruiters are busy. They get dozens of emails, phone calls, and resumes every day. It is your responsibility to stay in touch with them and keep them up-to-date on your work status. But don’t make it just about you. See Item 5 to learn the best way to “stay in touch.”
5. Be a resource
Train your recruiter to learn that every time you call it’s not just to “check-in”. Give the recruiter names of people you have interviewed with. Ask the recruiter who their clients are. Do you know anyone at those companies? Provide information that will make the recruiter a better employee and the recruiter will view you as a true partner and someone he/she will want to place.
6. Cooperation is critical
As you can see from items 4 and 5, its all about cooperation. Form a true partnership with your recruiter so that both of you can provide value for each other.
7. Take their advice
A recruiter will know what it takes to get hired by his/her client. Take their advice when it comes to your resume, an interview, or anything else related to your job search.
8. Recruiters get paid when they place someone
Ultimately, a recruiter gets paid when they place someone. So if they say you are not a good fit, then you are not a good fit. Be patient. If you follow the previous steps, a recruiter will want to place you in a position that makes the most sense for you and them. You have become a valuable resource, the recruiter is not going to want to waste that.
2. Make sure you make a great impression
A recruiter is your bridge to a job. They have a relationship with their client and they are always trying to amaze them with good candidates. So if you impress a recruiter, they are more likely to feel comfortable submitting you to the client.
3. Build relationship on trust and good communication
Be honest with a recruiter about your capabilities and background. Recruiters get multiple positions over time and being honest will make it more likely that you will eventually find the best fit for your skill set. The recruiter will also appreciate your honesty which will foster a solid, long-term relationship. Expect the same from your recruiter.
4. It’s your responsibility to stay in touch
Recruiters are busy. They get dozens of emails, phone calls, and resumes every day. It is your responsibility to stay in touch with them and keep them up-to-date on your work status. But don’t make it just about you. See Item 5 to learn the best way to “stay in touch.”
5. Be a resource
Train your recruiter to learn that every time you call it’s not just to “check-in”. Give the recruiter names of people you have interviewed with. Ask the recruiter who their clients are. Do you know anyone at those companies? Provide information that will make the recruiter a better employee and the recruiter will view you as a true partner and someone he/she will want to place.
6. Cooperation is critical
As you can see from items 4 and 5, its all about cooperation. Form a true partnership with your recruiter so that both of you can provide value for each other.
7. Take their advice
A recruiter will know what it takes to get hired by his/her client. Take their advice when it comes to your resume, an interview, or anything else related to your job search.
8. Recruiters get paid when they place someone
Ultimately, a recruiter gets paid when they place someone. So if they say you are not a good fit, then you are not a good fit. Be patient. If you follow the previous steps, a recruiter will want to place you in a position that makes the most sense for you and them. You have become a valuable resource, the recruiter is not going to want to waste that.
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