Get the most out of using a recruiter

Written by: Tatiyana Cure, Executive Recruiter, CFS New York

Using a recruiter to help you find a job is very beneficial; you have someone in your corner who is going to do everything possible to find you the right job. They prep you for interviews, negotiate for better salary, and do a lot of the job search legwork. As great as that sounds, you need to make sure you’re getting the most out of using a recruiter. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify Industry Specific Recruiters: Ensure that your resume is on file with recruiters who specialize in the industry pertaining to your background. It’s unnecessary to be in an irrelevant database.

2. Provide You Resume: Even if you are not interested in a specific opportunity that was presented, make sure you are one of the first people to be contacted about other opportunities relevant to your goals and expectations.

• Use specific keywords in your resume: Most recruiters search their candidate database with specific keywords, and you want your resume to be found.
• Provide contact information: When an amazing career opportunity comes knocking, make sure you’re able to answer the door. Provide multiple ways for a recruiter to reach you whether that is your cell, work phone number, or e-mail address.
• Be honest: Never lie on your resume, in interviews, or conversations with your recruiter.

3. Quantify Accomplishments: Have an in depth conversation with your recruiter regarding your professional success since this is what makes you stand out amongst your peers.

4. Specify Expectations: Discuss compensation, title, industry, and responsibilities up front and honestly. Nothing is more aggravating to your recruiter than having you back out after you are offered a position that you weren’t that interested in.

5. Ensure Confidentiality: Compensation and other sensitive matter should only be discussed with your recruiter (and spouse).

6. Keep in Touch: Send an updated resume, additional accomplishments, and changes in expectations to your recruiter when applicable.

• Avoid unnecessary follow up: If your recruiter hasn’t contacted you, that means there are no open roles that suit your interest or qualifications. *Remember, your recruiter has a relationship with the hiring manager. If the recruiter advises you on do’s and don’ts, taking the advice will only benefit you.
• Do not rely solely on your recruiter: If you are an active candidate, continue your own efforts, but do not post your resume on a job board if you are currently employed.

7. Pay it Forward: If your recruiter calls about an opportunity that’s not right for you but you know someone who might be interested, you should share the name with your recruiter. Doing this does not go unnoticed by a recruiter, and it’s an easy way to stand out among other candidates.

8. Debrief: Call your recruiter promptly after your interview. This gives you an opportunity to get their input and follow up on questions you wanted to elaborate on. When your recruiter speaks with the hiring manager, he/she will be able to add or clarify some information that you both agree will significantly impact you moving forward.

Some things to remember:

• Don’t take things personally: If you see your recruiter post a job and are wondering why you haven’t been contacted about it, feel free to reach out to him/her and inquire. However, if your recruiter is honest and says that this is not the right fit, it’s in your best interest to respect that.

• Have patience: Your recruiter handles most pressing matters first. If he/she hasn’t gotten back to you, most likely there are no appropriate opportunities to discuss and will reach out to you when that happens.

• Don’t burn bridges: If your recruiter is not successful in your eyes, do NOT burn that bridge. That same recruiter may reach out to you in the future for an amazing opportunity or network with other recruiters and hiring managers who you may have an interest with.

• Never go behind your recruiter’s back: This includes directly applying to an opportunity that your recruiter discussed with you or avoiding recruiter’s instructions.

• Be honest about what’s pending: If you received an offer resulting from your own efforts, keep your recruiter abreast and don’t let it be a surprise. If you receive an additional offer from your recruiter’s efforts, discuss your best interests with your recruiter. Again, don’t burn a bridge by not communicating your intentions.

• Accept the offer promptly: If you take too long to contemplate an offer, the potential employer may question your commitment and possibly withdraw the offer.

We love to hear your questions and insight, so please comment below! You can also reach out to one of our expert recruiters. Find the closest CFS office to you here.