Partnering with a recruiter to help your job search can be beneficial. You’ll tap into their networks, find a position more quickly and more likely get the salary and benefits you desire. But when you connect with a recruiter, the work doesn’t end there. There are some steps you can take to maximize this relationship, making it most effective.
Be Transparent.
Ask any recruiter what makes the job search easier for a candidate and they’ll say “transparency.” Be honest with your recruiter about your desired position and salary and what other avenues you’re pursuing as you look for a job. Be sure they know if and where you’re willing to relocate. The more they know, the better they can match you with a position and company that fits. This also allows the recruiter to communicate details to hiring managers, so they aren’t blind-sided with your salary requirement, for example.
Be Flexible.
Scheduling interviews can be tricky, especially if you’re currently working full time. Many a potential good fit has been lost, because a candidate and hiring company couldn’t match up their calendars. Be as flexible as you can with your time. Companies will do their best to work within your availability, but meet them halfway. Try to plan interviews for your lunch break, or take an afternoon off of work.
Check Your Resumé with Social Media.
Make no mistake, hiring managers will google you. Be sure the work experience and timeframes for which you were employed at each is the same on your LinkedIn profile as it is on your resumé. Inconsistencies in hard facts can lead to mistrust.
Also, the idea that a resumé has to fit on one page is a myth; don’t put it in six-point type just to keep from spilling over onto the next page. Your resumé should be as long as it needs to be to accurately paint the picture of your skills and experience. If you’re a recent college grad, one page may be enough; if you have 30 years of work experience, you’ll probably need more.
Conduct Yourself Professionally.
When you interview, recruiters want to know that you’ll conduct yourself professionally. Speak to your recruiter with language that reflects your ability to do this. Avoid slang and curse words; if you use these with your recruiter, they’ll be concerned you’d conduct yourself in an interview the same way.
Trust Your Recruiter.
When you partner with a recruiter in your job search remember, he is on your side and the hiring company’s side. The recruiter’s mission is to make sure both sides get their needs met and the match between employer and candidate is a good fit. To this end, remember, things such as start dates, benefits and salaries always have room for negotiation. If a position pays $80,000/year, but you want $90,000, tell your recruiter. If he thinks you’re a good candidate for the job, he’ll go to bat for you with the hiring manager. Better this get negotiated on the front end, before an interview is scheduled.
A recruiter can be your job search’s best friend, but like all friendships, it works best when you hold up your end of the relationship. Do these few things, and you’ll find yourself happy with your recruiter and with your new career move as well.