The best way to work with a Recruiter: A Candidate’s Guide
Working with a recruiter (like us) can open doors for you that you didn’t even know were there. By understanding how to work with a recruiter effectively, whether you are or aren’t actively looking, can give you a career boost
But what does a recruiter actually do?
Recruiters are hired by companies to match their roles with the right candidates. You can get either agency recruiters (the ones that work with external companies and have multiple clients at one time) and you can get in-house recruiters (ones that work as part of the company they are hiring for and only recruit for their roles).
Regardless of the type of recruiter, it is a recruiter’s job to find the best fit for a job not just send over CVs. The better they understand you, the better they can advocate for you.
How to work with a recruiter effectively
Be honest about your goals!
Tell the recruiter exactly what you are looking for in an ideal world and what you are willing to compromise on if something else is on offer. It’s also important to say what you absolutely don’t want and who you don’t want to work for. By being honest, you prevent wasting everyone’s time - including your own.
Remember it’s a partnership
Make sure you ask the recruiter questions, the hiring process isn’t just for the company to find the right person it’s also about you finding the right company. A recruiter gets a more detailed insight so will be able to give you more information than what is just on the job description.
Communicate promptly and professionally
Responding quickly shows that you are serious about the role and that you are easy to work with - two things that employers LOVE. It’s also important to respond when they have approached you with a role that you aren’t interested in so they can keep looking for the right thing for you.
Stay in touch
Check in every few weeks if you’re in an active search. If you aren’t actively looking, it’s still a good idea to nurture the relationship as you never know when the right thing may come along.
What not to do
Don’t ghost them after an interview, even if you aren’t interested. It’s important to always remain professional as you never know when you might need their help in the future. Never lie about your experience, qualifications or availability - this is the easiest way to get a recruiter or business to never work with you again.
A great recruiter will be your advocate and your advisor. When you grow a strong, respectful relationship with them they will help you find a new role and have the potential to grow your entire career. Even if a role doesn’t work out - keep the door open because the right person could be around the corner!
