TeneoTalent

Working with Recruiters – A Candidate’s View

August 31, 2011

by Tony Peccolo

When you are in a job transition, or looking for a new position, it helps to have as many “arrows in your quiver” as possible.

Your job search plan should include a variety of methods of gaining new employment, such as networking and responding to job postings. However, an “arrow” sometimes ignored is a recruiter.

Recruiters (in general) have received a bad rap over the years – some deservedly so. However, recruiters have been, and will continue to be, a resource for select candidates and jobs. For this reason, especially in a tough economy, recruiters shouldn’t be dismissed.

When working with a recruiter a partnership is formed. For the business relationship to be successful there must be mutual respect between the two of you. Recruiters want to work with candidates who want to work with them. Respect them and you’ll find yourself treated in kind.

Some job seekers don’t fully understand the role a recruiter plays in the job search process. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Recruiters are people, too! Don't be quick to label them.

  • What recruiters can do. While recruiters don’t work for you, the best ones will work with you. Heed his or her advice. Recruiters generally have information about the hiring organization, the hiring process and the role being filled not available to the general public. Realize a recruiter may present other candidates to an employer in addition to you. Try to find out where you stand.

 

  • What recruiters can’t do. A recruiter’s allegiance is to the hiring company. Their priority is finding candidates that fit the position – not finding you a job. Remember, recruiters only represent a sliver of the jobs on the market (generally less than 5%). Therefore it’s important to have a robust job search plan that includes multiple resources.

 

  • Be professional. When you contact or are contacted by a recruiter, be discriminating about what information you share. Treat any meeting or call as an interview. Don’t let the informality of a conversation convince you otherwise.

 

  • Be prepared. Before you meet or speak with a recruiter, know what you want in a new position and what types of companies are of interest to you. Have an updated resume available and your references prepared. Be upfront about items that are important to you such as salary, benefits, relocation and/or advancement opportunities.

 

  • Respect them. If a recruiter recommends you for a position, respect the time and effort they have put in on your behalf. The recruiter’s credibility (and yours) is dependent on the caliber of the candidates they present. During the interview process, return their phone calls promptly and provide feedback soon after any contact with the hiring company.

Nowadays, the average professional may go on five or six job searches in a lifetime. Realize an experienced recruiter has been engaged in hundreds of job searches, if not more! Put their experience to use, when you can, to help you find the right job.

 

http://TeneoTalent.com offers a new process of sales recruiting that uses sales assessments for both employers and job seekers to create long term fits.  We also offer career development tools through our sales career coaching program, including resume writing. We offer career advice, career matching and although our organization has a national focus, and have many Denver and Boulder sales jobs available at the moment.

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