The
Proper Care and Feeding of Recruiters
Recruiter Dos and Don'ts
Recruiters have been and
will continue to be a viable career management resource, but many job seekers
are uncertain what recruiters do and how to work with them. Here's some tips to keep in mind the
next time a recruiter calls you.
Do...
1. be direct and honest. Misrepresenting your
intentions, your background or qualifications will backfire on you
eventually. Tell your recruiter
the kind of job you are looking for with specific information regarding job
type, salary requirements, location, etc., so they don't waste your time with
opportunities that don't interest you.
2. take your interview with your recruiter seriously. Any
contact with a recruiter is an interview.
When connecting with a recruiter (on the phone, in-person, through email)
you will be judged on your performance. Be professional at all times.
3. respect a recruiter's time and expertise. When a recruiter recommends you for a position,
they have invested time in your career.
Return their calls as promptly as possible and follow their instructions
specifically. If you have
questions or concerns, let them know.
Don't
1. take
it personally. Recruiters are paid by their
clients to identify candidates who most closely align with their ideal
profile. Your skills are close but
not ideal, which likely means you wouldn't be happy or successful there. A good fit for an employer means a good
fit for you, too.
2. be a pest. Follow up is good. Pestering is
bad. It is okay to follow up
one or two times a week throughout the process, if you're awaiting feedback. Calling several times a day will annoy
your recruiter and make you appear desperate. Better yet, ask your recruiter how often, when and how (email,
phone) to follow up.
3. disappear. If you decide that you are not
interested in an opportunity, tell your recruiter as soon as possible. If your contact information changes,
update your recruiter. A good
recruiter will contact you with future opportunities if they can find you.
