Recruiters can help you secure your dream job sooner. When recruiters understand your strengths and weaknesses, they can match you to the most appropriate roles and help you improve your resume and interviewing skills.
These tips can make the time you spend working with recruiters more productive. Apply them to relationships you have with recruiters you have sought out and recruiters who have contacted you to maximize the potential of your connections. Here are nine tips for working well with recruiters.
Related: How a Recruitment Agency can help your Business
1. Prepare for your first meeting
Prepare for your first meeting with a new recruiter as thoroughly as you would any job interview. The time you spend preparing will ensure your recruiter gets all the information they need to help you in your job search.
Update your resume
A current resume is a valuable tool for helping recruiters match you with the right positions. Make sure your resume has your relevant and current work and education history, including details of any recent courses and volunteer work. Double-check the contact details for your references are also current before distributing your resume to recruiters.
Plan answers to common questions
Your preparation will help you answer questions confidently and accurately. Most recruiters ask new clients about their career goals, as they help recruiters understand what they want to achieve and how they can help you get there. If you are not sure what your goals are, consider what job you want to have and what that looks like.
Think about your preferred industry and location, the tasks you want to perform and the corporate culture that would suit you best. Explaining what your dream job looks like will help recruiters match you with suitable positions.
Consider your salary expectations
Perform an online search to see average salaries for your preferred careers. Consider your experience and education when determining a reasonable salary. Be honest about how much money you need or want. This information will help recruiters negotiate an appropriate salary on your behalf.
2. Ask questions to determine compatibility
Just as an employer asks questions to determine whether you are the right candidate for a position, you should ask recruiters questions to see whether they are the best people to help you in your job search. Ask a new recruiter about their experience in your industry and how they help candidates find work. Assess their answers and willingness to listen to determine whether you will have a good working relationship.
3. Communicate openly
Open communication gives recruiters the tools they need to effectively represent you. Be honest about everything that impacts your job search, including your resume, any firm job requirements and your relationships with other recruiters.
Explain potential areas for concern in your resume
A resume gives a summary of your education and work history. Communicating openly with recruiters fills in any information gaps so they can best represent you. For example, noting that your work history has a one-year gap because you traveled will help recruiters explain the gap to hiring managers.
Be honest about any firm job requirements
Some job applicants have strict job requirements, such as working only during weekdays or needing a job in a particular location. Noting these will help your recruiters identify jobs that best meet your needs.
Note if you are working with other recruiters
Be open about the jobs you have applied for with other recruiters so each can make efficient and productive use of their time. Recruiters understand that job seekers use a variety of professional contacts in their search and appreciate your candor.
4. Be respectful and polite
Use a respectful tone and polite manners whenever you interact with recruiters. Your recruiters will assume you will show the same courtesy to any employer and feel more confident recommending you for roles. They will also feel more positively towards you and work harder to help you find a good job.
Speak calmly, courteously and professionally at all times. Keeping correspondence brief and communicating only when necessary shows you respect for your recruiters’ time and other commitments.
5. Use preferred communication methods and practices
Communicating with recruiters using their preferred method and practices increases your chance of positive and timely responses.
Use preferred communication channels. Some recruiters like to communicate predominantly via email while others prefer telephone correspondence, for example. If you are unsure, ask recruiters how they would like to be contacted and how often.
Submit documents in each recruiter’s preferred way. Recruiters may like you to upload your resume to their website, attach it to an email, or send it by mail, for example. Following these guidelines ensures these documents are not overlooked.
Always communicate with recruiters after interviews. Your recruiters are your contact people throughout the job search process. Following this accepted communication practice is good etiquette.
6. Attend all scheduled appointments
Attending all appointments your recruiter schedules shows you are trustworthy. When recruiters know you are reliable, they can feel more confident recommending you. Make sure you attend any interviews your recruiter organizes and appointments with your recruiter. Make sure you always arrive on time, as punctuality is another desirable quality for employees. If you cannot attend for any reason, such as serious illness or injury, telephone in advance to try to reschedule.
7. Respond to messages quickly
Responding to messages from recruiters quickly shows respect and eagerness in your job search. A fast response can also help you seize any time-sensitive opportunities, such as same-day interviews. Keep your telephone on will full volume whenever possible to make sure you do not miss a call. Check your inbox, instant messages and voicemail regularly for correspondence too.
8. Engage with recruiters regularly
Corresponding with your recruiters regularly makes sure they think of you whenever they find suitable roles. It is a good idea to communicate with your recruiters every two to four weeks. A brief message stating that you are still looking for work and hope to hear from them soon can be an effective reminder of your job search.
9. Thank recruiters for their help
Once you have secured work, you will no longer require recruiters’ services. Whether they helped you secure a position or not, take time to thank them for their assistance.
You may also like to leave a positive review for them online. Your gratitude will give recruiters a final positive impression of you that will encourage them to work with you if you need them later. They may even approach you with attractive job offers in the future to help you advance in your career.
