If you choose to work with recruiters during your job search, it is important to understand the recruiting specialist’s role. Please note that we understand there are many BAD recruiters out there and while we are expecting you to have a basic understanding of the difference between a good and bad recruiter, let me take a brief moment to highlight some key characteristics of a quality recruiter.
A good recruiter is after only two things:
- building quality relationships with quality candidates
- building quality relationships with quality Hiring Managers who work for great companies.
A good recruiter will not work with poorly qualified or unprofessional candidates. Nor will a good recruiter work with poorly managed companies or unprofessional Hiring Managers.
Additionally, good recruiters will only send your resume to Hiring Managers when you have given your permission for them to do so. They will not only give you details about the job, but will educate you on the company’s culture, the hiring team members’ personality and background, and provide other important information making you a more competitive candidate. A great recruiter will prep you for interviews, coach you on what your compensation package should be, and help you tailor your resume / cover letter. You should hand select your recruiters just like you hand select your jobs!
The job of a quality recruiter is to fill open positions as quickly, effectively and efficiently as possible.
You should understand the relationship between quality recruiters and Hiring Managers is a strong one, and therefore a recruiter can be your best advocate when you are seeking a new position.
You should also understand recruiters often they have thousands of candidates to consider for a single position.
When initially contacted by a recruiter, it is essential for you to make a good impression. Quality recruiters are very particular about the candidates they refer to their clients; therefore, if a recruiter doesn’t feel confident in your professionalism and skills, or otherwise feels your credentials are not marketable, your name and resume will be placed in the “no” pile. At this point the recruiter will simply move onto the next potential candidate.
We recommend when you are speaking with a recruiter, act as if you are speaking directly with the hiring manager. If you schedule a time to interview with your recruiter, make sure you are in a quiet place and prepared for the interview. Driving down the road, watching a baseball game on TV, and grocery shopping are not appropriate places to be during the time of your scheduled interview.
Working with a recruiter during your job search could be very beneficial to you when searching for a new position. If you do choose to work with a quality recruiter, make sure you treat the recruiter well. A quality recruiter can be your best advocate and will help you gracefully navigate your job search.
Co-Written by Katie Fidler and Angela Roberts
Investing in a Lifetime of Success,
Angela Roberts
www.craresources.com
Facebook
Are you considering a career change? We specialize in clinical recruiting! You can sign up for our Job Seeker email course which provides valuable insight into how to become more competitive in the marketplace.