Last month, we posted an article on How to Effectively Work with a Recruiter – Part 1. In this two-part series, we discussed the benefits of working with a recruiter and the types of firms there are. Today, we’re providing job seekers with the several tips on how to how to successfully work with a recruiter. See below for some of our best advice.
1. Do your homework! You need to research which firms specialize in your career field. If you’re changing careers, then you should contact firms that specialize in your desired career area. Ask the receptionist for the firm’s specialty. If it is your career area, ask to please speak with “a recruiter.” If not, then ask them for a referral to other recommended firms that have experience with your area.
2. When you get a recruiter on the phone, offer to send them your resume and cover letter. Recruiters like to see your experience before they actually interview you. Usually, a recruiter has a good idea whether or not they can represent you. A good recruiter will be honest with you on whether or not they can help. And when you send your information to a recruiter, you should send the following:
– Summarize your marketable characteristics in your cover letter.
– Clearly state your target market (geographic, area, industry and position) and your salary range.
– State your key selling points, your summary and most importantly your accomplishments. Recruiters will sell your accomplishments to their clients.
– Attach a list of professional references. You should include 1 or 2 personal references, but you should have at least 4 professional references. Also, don’t list an HR Department as one of your references. They are restricted legally on what they can say, and will often only verify dates of employment and if you are eligible for re-hire. You need to go to the person who was your direct boss and ask them to be one of your listed references. If you left that position on good terms, most people want to help you with your job search. Many recruiters will use your references to book interviews for you or to remove any concerns a client may have about you or your experience.
3. Be honest! Search firms will check your professional references. Your recruiter will find out if you have something in your past, (e.g., getting let go on bad terms). If you have not been honest, your recruiter won’t trust you and your working relationship will often end at this point. If you are honest with them, they will try to help you handle it in the most positive way. A recruiter’s reputation is at stake with every single candidate they choose to represent.
4. This may come as a surprise, but don’t call your recruiter on a regular basis. Follow-up is great in most situations. With a recruiter, follow-up calls prevent them from being on their phones searching for your next career move. I suggest that you send them a short e-mail message every two weeks. Please do not take it personal if a recruiter does not get back to you. Be confident that they are doing everything possible to find you a job.
5. The ideal situation is to seek out a recruiter that is professional, represents reputable corporations, has tenure with their firm, is honest with you and most importantly, someone you can trust with your career. You want to find an agent recruiter that you can build a relationship with and feel confident that they have your best interest at heart.
6. Make sure that your recruiter has all of your contact information. With today’s technology, you should be reachable immediately following your interview. Recruiters expect you to be accessible at all times, in case they get a last minute interview for you.
These are some of our best tips for effectively working with recruiters. If you’re interested in the types of jobs we fill, visit here. If you have additional questions about our process, send us an email.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Ingrid Moore
Ingrid Moore is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Resources of Illinois, an employment & staffing agency with over 20+years’ experience located in Schaumburg, IL. Ingrid and her team assist employers with finding the right hire for their business. For more info, follow us on our LinkedIn Company Page, or follow us Corporate Resources of Illinois‘s Google+ page.
