Navigating the Recruiter Relationship for Your Job Search
Melanie Mitchell Wexler
Career Coach - Empowering Mid to Executive-Level Professionals to Achieve Purpose-Driven Career Transitions | Resume, LinkedIn™, Job Search & Interview Specialist | Former Recruiter
Last week, we discussed general strategies for working with recruiters. This week, let's dive into specifics on how to collaborate effectively with a recruiter for a specific job opportunity.
Understanding the Recruiter's Role Always remember, recruiters are paid to close deals. Their success hinges on placements, not just conversations or resumes reviewed. Their bias, if any, is towards the company that hired them. This means they’ll focus on fulfilling the position description as dictated by the hiring manager.
Set Clear Expectations When engaging with a recruiter, it’s crucial to clarify expectations from the outset. Use questions to gauge your standing in the search and to understand the feedback process. Will they only reach out with good news? How often will they check in? Establishing these parameters helps manage both your expectations and theirs.
Be Realistic Recruiters handle numerous candidates and can’t provide daily updates. However, they can offer valuable feedback about your fit for the role. Ask for insights on working styles and scope to gauge if you’re a good match. The longer a recruiter has worked with a client, the more insightful their feedback will be.
Position Yourself as a Strong Candidate Aim to be the “sure thing” for the employer. Companies investing significant sums in recruitment seek dependable candidates. If you feel you’re a less conventional fit, manage your expectations accordingly. A recruiter can only advocate for you based on the client's specific requirements.
Advocate for Yourself During Offers When it comes to offers, be assertive. You’re your own best advocate. It’s advisable not to disclose your current compensation; instead, ask the recruiter about the client’s expectations. This gives you insight without committing prematurely.
Follow Up Thoughtfully Establish a routine for follow-ups. A simple check-in every two weeks can keep the communication open without being overwhelming. Always remain positive in your communications. If a recruiter goes silent for two months despite your polite messages, it may be time to move on.
Final Thoughts As you navigate your job search, keep the lines of communication open and establish a collaborative relationship with your recruiter. This will not only enhance your experience but also position you effectively for the opportunities ahead.
I hope these insights prove helpful.
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