Have you considered working with a recruiter in your job search? Selecting a recruiter and developing a relationship with one can enhance your job search and bring you one step closer to that ideal position.
Since I started with Genesis10 almost four years ago, I have been a recruiter and now a recruiting manager. What I enjoy most is speaking with our consultants through their job search up to and including their arrival at their new assignments. This helps me to understand if the consultant is thriving in their new assignment. From these conversations I have learned a lot about the journey.
In this blog, I will pay it forward and share suggestions of what I have heard and believe as best practices for working with a recruiting professional to elevate the experience and the results. And if you’re already working with a recruiter? These updated tips may prove helpful for you as well.
Do your Research
- Make sure your recruiter/agency is aligned with your targeted industry and types of positions you desire.
- Review the recruiter’s client list and ask if they are a primary vendor for the client.
- Find out if the recruiter is knowledgeable and confident about their industry and the roles they present
- Ask questions: Are there fees involved for representation? When should you expect a response? What information is needed to present your resume?
Be Honest
- Accurately represent your technical and professional strengths and weaknesses so your recruiter can match you to the best position.
- Establish the best methods of communication, i.e. text, email, IM, phone, etc.
- Complete any recommended technical assessments or provide technical testing results or certifications. This information is valuable to the hiring manager.
- Let the recruiter know of any extensive vacation plans or required time off that will impact the interview, hiring or work schedule. With honest communications, your recruiter can coordinate with the client to avoid disruption.
- Stick with the recruiter. Don’t go around them to another agency or directly to the client.
Be Responsive and Open to Feedback
- Establish trust with your recruiter—it is important. The first step is to be responsive and available. Monitor email, phone and texts so you can respond quickly to requests for information and interview invites.
- Be prepared for the interview and ask your recruiter to set up a prep session. Practice mock interviewing with a friend and do your research about the job, company and hiring manager.
- Ask your recruiter for feedback from the interviewer and be open to receive their insight and suggestions for improvement.
- Follow up quickly after interviews with your feedback and a thank you note to the interviewer(s).
Following these suggestions will help you to establish a healthy relationship with your recruiter, which will lead to the right role for you.
