4 Essential Tips on Working with Your Recruiter
Job hunting is stressful!
Whether you’re unhappy with your current position and seeking greener pastures, you were recently let go and need to find something as quickly as possible, or you’re new to a city without a professional network to help you get started, working with a qualified staffing agency of recruiters can help you get unstuck in your career.
Staffing companies can do the job hunting for you, drawing from a large resource of open positions to match you with the ones that best complement your experience, education, background, and expectations. They have inside knowledge and pre-existing relationships with the companies you may be interested in and can be vital in unlocking doors that might otherwise be closed.
Here are four tips on maximizing your relationship with your recruiter to ensure you get the most out of the partnership.
- Make a Great First Impression
Treat your initial meeting with your recruiter like a job interview itself. Remember, this is the team that will be representing and advocating for you. First impressions matter, so prepare as thoroughly and carefully as possible.
That starts with your resume. Make sure it’s current and encapsulates relevant and current work, educational background, any notable skills or certifications, and any recent volunteer work. Your recruiter will be able to give you feedback and instructions on how to polish and improve it so that they can best match you with the right positions, but it all starts with you. Make sure you’ve made an effort to optimize it as well as possible.
Your preparation should also include time spent planning your answers to common interview questions. Be ready to talk about your career goals, your experience, and what you’re setting out to achieve. Think through your dream roles, the industries you’d most like to work in, and what you’re looking for in a company’s culture. Have your answers ready and well thought out. Take the time to prepare questions for your recruiter as well. This is your opportunity to assess how well they can represent you and their area of expertise for the roles in which you’re most interested.
Finally, dress and act the part. Your recruiter will be advocating and vouching for the candidates they recommend to companies for open positions. Their opinion of you goes a long way toward how effectively they can do so. When they view you as professional, punctual, and ready to work, they’re more likely to feel comfortable recommending you for great positions.
- Be Honest. (Yes, About All of It)
Be truthful about what you’re seeking—and especially about what you’re not. If you’re seeking a full-time position, don’t tell them you’re open to part-time work. If you’re not willing to work holidays and weekends, share that upfront. Know your salary needs and expectations and communicate them openly. It may be tempting to hold back to avoid being excluded from opportunities, but honesty will ensure your recruiter doesn’t waste time trying to match you with the wrong positions.
You’ll also want to share details you’d rather hide that may be areas of concern on your resume or work history. For instance, if you have large gaps in your employment history or bounced from position to position in a short time, inform your recruiter about that and why. Having the context behind these details will help equip them with ways to best represent you to potential employers. When your recruiter understands your situation and background, they have all the information they need to set you up for success.
As you move forward in the relationship and your recruiter begins offering you opportunities for positions, this also means being willing to say ‘no’ if the role isn’t right for you. After all, it’s better to say no upfront than to accept an opportunity only to back out or quit a short time later.
- Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.
Consistent communication with your recruiter will be critical to ensure the process is as effective as possible. Ask them what their preferred method of contact is, whether text, phone calls, or email and stick to it to ensure neither of you misses each other’s messages. When your recruiter reaches out, respond quickly. They may come to you with time-sensitive questions or opportunities. Keep your phone handy and regularly check your inboxes, voicemails, or other communication tools you have established.
Communication with your recruiter is not a one-way street, though. You need to check in regularly with them as well. Set reminders to check in every two to four weeks and inquire about any new positions available. If anything’s changed regarding your job expectations, goals or salary needs, be proactive and let them know.
It’s also a smart move to tap into your recruiter’s expertise. They have the experience, knowledge, and relationships with clients that can give you an inside glimpse into how best to navigate your job search. Don’t be shy about asking for feedback on your resume, help with interview preparation, or an honest assessment of your skills and strengths as a candidate.
While your recruiter is your advocate and ally, they can’t do it for you. Trust their feedback, and then take action. Follow through on all your commitments, including attending all scheduled appointments.
- Stay In Touch After Landing the Position
Good news! You’ve secured your dream role, and you’re settling into your new position. While it may seem natural for your relationship with your recruiter to end at this point, it’s a good idea to continue connecting with them semi-regularly, especially early on. Your recruiter likely has an established relationship with your employer, so they will reach out to ensure that the new role is an excellent fit for both parties. Take advantage of these opportunities to share feedback, ask questions, or express any issues that may have come up in the early stages of your work. They can help you iron these out or clear up any communication gaps. They also want to celebrate your wins and hear about any achievements or progress you’ve made in your role.
It’s also a great opportunity to refer others in your network, such as friends, family, or colleagues in need of support or to leave a positive review for your staffing agency online. Expressing gratitude and sharing referrals can leave a final positive impression and even raise your profile should you ever be open for new opportunities in the future.
For the Sake of Summarizing
No matter where you are on your career journey, working with a qualified and knowledgeable recruiter can significantly improve your prospects of finding a role that fits your skills, experience, and goals. Establishing an honest, transparent, and professional relationship early on and maintaining clear communication during and after the process will ensure you get the most from this partnership.
Anderson|Biro Staffing has deep and long-held relationships with the top employers throughout Cleveland in the office clerical, professional, accounting, finance, and light industrial space. Our experienced recruiters take the time to understand your goals so that they can match you with opportunities that are a perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for a temporary or permanent position, contact us today to get started on your journey!