How to Work Successfully with a Recruiter

Recruiters: Job search success tips

Understand the Relationship
 
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.”

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 candidate’s.

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
 
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 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. 

By Brian Daniel -- READ MORE LIKE THIS >>

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