How to Work Successfully with a Recruiter

Understand the Relationship

Recruiters: Job search success tips

First and foremost, a recruiter’s job is to get the client what he or she wants. The client has a checklist, and it may not match with what the job seeker wants; so whether that placement will be made in a corporate office or in a private office at someone’s home, the client is the one footing the bill. In short, “the (paying) customer is king.”

This is fundamentally how the business relationship works, so please don't shoot the messenger.

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The Recruiter Doesn’t Work for the Candidate

Some job seekers have a misunderstanding about the business relationship. It’s not uncommon for a job seeker to say, “I’m going to hire a recruiter.” The recruiter’s job isn’t to find the candidate a job, it’s to get the client a candidate that meets the job spec. A good recruiter should, of course, have consideration for the job seeker, but the client’s “checklist” takes priority, not the candidates' checklist.

Know the Pressures That Recruiters Face

Recruiters are always working at break-neck speed. They are on the phone all day long and also answer as many as 100 emails a day. Understandably, job seekers are under a lot of pressure to find a job, and sometimes they take their frustrations out on the recruiters. If that happens, it doesn’t set the stage for a healthy business relationship. 

Be Humble During a Job Search

There is a small percentage of job seekers who rest on their laurels and are a little too confident. The job market is phenomenally competitive. Regardless of your profession, there are thousands of other job seekers who are trying to score the same dream jobs. Understand what you are up against and have a plan. All participants – the recruiter, candidate, and employer – need to cooperate together and put egos in check. 

The Recruiter Wants to Help You

Recruiters want to help candidates get a job but understand there will always be a lot of disappointment. If the recruiter submits, say, 10 candidates, only one can be chosen. So that means 90% of the candidates will be left empty-handed. One way you can have an advantage is to listen to what the recruiters tell you. They understand the clients and the marketplace, so don’t be resistant to their advice and let them guide you. 
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By Brian Daniel