How To Work With A Recruiter

The market seems better and, for the first time in several years,  people are actively looking for new jobs.   Job seekers are are calling and being contacted by recruiters.   So I thought it appropriate to republish an article I wrote that was originally published in Ad Age on February 10, 2009.  What surprises me, even after all these years, is that a huge percentage of people haven no idea as the the value of a recruiter or how to work with one.

Build a Long-Term Relationship for the Greatest Value

A few weeks ago I wrote about what to do when a recruiter calls.  The gist of it was that you should try to establish a long term relationship.  Many people mistakenly thank that recruiters are a short-term solution to getting a new job now.  They couldn't be more wrong.  The current economy affords you an opportunity to find recruiters who can help you now and in the future.  So you;be answered the pone and made an appointment.  what's next?

Here are 10 basic rules you can follow when dealing with a recruiter:

1.  Work with a recruiter whom you like and trust.
Make sure your recruiter really understands what you are looking for in the short term and in the long term.  A good recruiter can help you create a road map for your career.

2. Work with more than one recruiter.
You might consider having a close relationship with more than one recruiter.  We all recruit for different companies, and even where there is duplication, different recruiters get different job orders.

3. The best time to see a recruiter is when you are not looking.
When you are not pressured, you will be more candid and honest, and your real personality will shine through. 

4. Be honest with the recruiter about everything.
Reputable recruiters do not gossip or break confidences, so tell the truth.  Don;t exaggerate your salary - you will get caught.  If anyone knows exactly what companies pay for what job, it is the headhunters.  If you exaggerate, you could price yourself out of a perfect job. If you are out of work or know you will be out of work soon, say so.  It can only help you.

5. If a recruiter has you interviewing, keep him or her totally informed during the process.
you should be briefed before every interview and debriefed after every meeting.  an effective recruiter can help you overcome hurdles or issues behind the scenes and can be an excellent advocate for your candidacy - but he or she has to be fully informed.

6. Stay in touch.
A recruiter generally has way more candidates than jobs available, so if you want to stay top of mind when the right job comes up, it helps to check in every so often.  In the long term, the more a recruiter gets to know you, the better he or she can help you.

7. When you change jobs, more or change contact information, call your recruiter.
If recruiters can't find you, they can't help you.

8. When you are given new responsibilities or experience a major life change, call your recruiter.
Promotions, new assignments, raises and new titles can impact your career in big ways.  Over the years there have been a number of perfect opportunities for candidates I have known, but I didn't know that they had acquired the background to match a client's job specs.  Similarly, if you  have just gotten married or had children, let your recruiter know; it can help him or her gauge your willingness to relocate or travel for work.

9. Join business and social networks.
Recruiters monitor sites such as LinkedIn to see what their candidates are up to.  It's a great way to stay top of mind and to update a large group quickly with resume or contact-information changes.

10.  If you need advice - about anything - call your recruiter.
The ability to talk with a smart, objective professional is invaluable.  Recruiters can help you choose between offers (even if they haven't gotten them for you) and can help you evaluate people and places.  If they really know you and understand you, that information can be truly helpful.

If you have any comments or suggestions, my readers would love to hear them.