How to Work With a Recruiter
Job searches can be frustrating, time consuming and downright lonely. It’s good to have other people keeping their eyes open for you for your next opportunity; friends, family, co-workers and recruiters.
Not all recruiters work the same way. As in any field, there are good and bad. There are personalities that work well with you and ones that don’t. However, adding a recruiter to your networking team can be very helpful.
What You Want in a Recruiter
When looking for a recruiter to add to your team, here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, be sure the recruiter you are talking with is paid by the hiring company. The majority of us are, so you shouldn’t have to be worried that there’s a hidden fee. But it’s best to get that clarified, up front. That information should be on the recruiter’s web site. If not, don’t hesitate to ask.
There must be a sense of trust. Keeping resumes confidential should go without saying. I have never submitted a resume to a hiring company without obtaining the permission of the job seeker first. Trust is vital. If you don’t have that with a recruiter, find another one to work with.
A good recruiter should be willing to talk with you. I like to gather more information than just a resume. What’s your current salary? What range are you targeting to make a change to a new company? Why do you want to leave your current employer? How far are you willing to commute to work? Are you open to relocation? Are you able to travel and if so, what percentage (domestic/international)? What’s truly important to you (e.g., work/life balance, a challenging job, the size of the company, the industry, the salary, the benefits, the commute…). The more I know about what you are seeking, the easier it is to know when an opening crosses my desk, if it’s right for you.
As with anyone who is part of your job search team, you should feel comfortable emailing or calling. I’m not suggesting you call every day to check in, but watching the postings and connecting on sites such as LinkedIn and knowing you have someone to reach out to, makes a big difference in your search.
Whether you are actively or passively looking for a job, having a good recruiter on your side can be a huge benefit.