9 Tips on How to Work With a Recruiter

When there are a limited number of genuinely fantastic recruiters who work in your industry, it is in your interest to maintain the best possible relationships with them. But how to work with a recruiter who can become your job search ally?

Being a recruiter is tough, but the job can be easier if candidates follow a few basic ground rules. Here are nine tips on how to work with a recruiter for mutual benefit. The right recruiter can be a job search weapon.

Work with a recruiter who is on your side

Work with specialists in your field. A recruiter who hasn’t got a clue what you are talking about as you take them through your career highlights is not someone who will represent you well to a potential employer. At mid-management levels, there are specialist recruiters for every industry and function. Senior headhunters are obviously an exception.

Respect communication preferences. Most recruiters would prefer not to be called out of the blue. Some conduct the organisation entirely over WhatsApp, while others prefer text messages. Whatever their communication preferences, have your mobile by your side at every point during your job search. You need to be available and responsive.

Give them plenty of ammunition. You can be sure that your social media presence will interest a future employer, so make sure that you are as impressive online as you are in person. Ensure that you have a complete profile, write blogs, share opinions, and showcase your life outside of work. Your socials will fill in the gaps in terms of who you are.

Recruiters aren’t working for you. Remember, recruiters are paid by clients when they successfully fill a role. If you are not moving forward with a certain position, politely ask that they get in touch if anything else comes up, but do not be more demanding than that. Recruiters love to help, but they have better things to do if they do not have a suitable role.

You decide whether to work with them. Working with a recruiter is your choice. It is ok to ask them questions like how many similar roles they have placed this year and how long they have worked with a particular client. If you feel like your recruitment contact is inexperienced or they don’t have much influence with the client, then be cautious.

How to trust a recruiter

Trust recruiters with every detail. Whether negotiating your package, finding out about certain aspects of the role or managing the process, trust your recruiter to take the strain. If it is evident that they have been ignoring you for weeks, then ask them why, but generally, it is in their interest to do the best they can for you.

Don’t contact clients during the interview process. Recruiters are adept at managing the job search process, and most of the time, they have close relationships with in-house recruiters and hiring managers. Employers work with recruiters to streamline the process, so don’t “take the initiative” and get involved until you have received a job offer.

Maintain long-term relationships. You have may found a job, but you never know when you might need a recruiter again. Do your best to be helpful, suggest potential candidate referrals and refer business their way when you have an opportunity. If you have close relationships with 3-4 industry recruiters, future opportunities will come your way.

Keep your job search promises. Being a flaky candidate who backs out of interviews and rearranges calls is a great way to get on a recruiter’s block list. Do everything in your power to honour the commitments you made to your recruiters – in this respect; it helps if you are not working with too many. Value their time and efforts.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).