Insider’s Knowledge: How to Work with Recruiters

June 22, 2010 | Filed under: Job Hunting

Recruiters can be a goldmine in your job hunt. Like your network, however, you cannot activate recruiters at the last minute, just as you’re ready to search. Instead—both on and off the search—nurture, serve, and systematically connect with recruiters, just as you would other very-important members of your network. When you’re ready, follow these tips to lay claim to recruiter treasures.

Understand what recruiters do. Recruiters work for employers, not for you, so don’t expect them to bow to your demands and requests. At the same time, it is to their benefit to place you if they can. Use this dynamic to your advantage! Listen to recruiters; because they work for employers, they often have access to inside information. Refuse their clues and fail to heed their coaching advice at your peril.
Seek the best recruiters. As is the case in any field, there are good and bad recruiters, as well as recruiters who focus on geography, industry, function, and any mix in between. Ask friends and colleagues for references to find the best ones. Then, when you get in front of a recruiter, vet them. Ask about their experience. Just as recruiters aren’t obliged to work with you, neither are you obliged to work with them. Be selective and you’ll land good matches.
Work with your recruiters. Recruiters may ask you sensitive questions about your education, job history, employment gaps, and even your credit history. Vetting you is their job, as they work for employers. On the other hand, to help you find the right job, recruiters also need to know who you are, what you want, and how best to present you effectively.
Give! Recruiters will be more inclined to help you if you help them. So check in with your recruiters every few months, if only to say hello and to see if, and how, you can help. If a recruiter asks you for leads for positions unsuitable to you, make appropriate introductions. You’ll do double duty by serving both your recruiter and your network.
Keep it concise and relevant. Recruiters, inundated with resumes and candidates, need value. To capture and hold their attention, focus on giving recruiters just what they need. Avoid verbosity. Also, avoid sending a list of 10 unemployed friends who may not match their latest requisition. Recruiters need value, so give value. Simple!

The bottom line: you’ll attract more attention simply because you’re employed, so talk to recruiters even if you’re not actively looking for work. Good recruiters will share job market intelligence when you don’t have time to gather it yourself; they’ll also keep you in the loop so you don’t miss a great opportunity.