Working with a Recruiter: What to Expect

As the first point of contact between a candidate and a company, working with candidates is a big part of my job. Managing expectations and keeping them in check is crucial to a seamless and productive candidate experience.

In this article, I am sharing some insights into the recruitment process. From sourcing talent to placing best-fit candidates, here are some of the things you can expect when working with a recruiter.

• Getting candidates on the phone

My preferred way of reaching out to interested candidates is to speak with them over the phone. I think it's the best way to move the conversation forward and makes the process more responsive and efficient.

I typically ask candidates for an initial 5-minute call. This enables me to relay key information more effectively, get a read on their potential and gauge their level of interest.

Speaking directly to them also allows me to bring the job opportunity to life with more context and detailed information. This gives prospective candidates a chance to explore and learn more about an opportunity that would've seemed less interesting on paper.

Any information shared or discussed with me throughout this process is treated with confidentiality.

• Screening candidates

When a potential candidate expresses interest after initial contact, I request a 30-minute phone interview to evaluate them further and see if they meet the desired level of skills and competencies for the job. Candidates can take this opportunity to express their enthusiasm for the role, share what they can bring to the table and why they're the best fit for the position.

It’s important that I take the time to know their personal and career needs to make sure that the opportunity is right for them. To gauge if they’re genuinely interested in pursuing the role, I ask for insights about their work history, their current role and why they're looking to leave their job.

I make it a point to screen and assess candidates through the lens of what the prospective employer needs. After conducting in-depth interviews and thorough evaluation, only the most qualified candidates are presented to the client.

• Doing due diligence

While I do tend to work closely with candidates, I also expect them to do some heavy lifting to get through the end of the hiring process. Once your resume has been forwarded, you should be doing your due diligence as you move further along the recruitment process. I provide information to help you through this part of the interview process.

You owe it to yourself to be well-informed and assess if the role is right for you. Researching about the employer allows you to come across as a strong candidate. By arming yourself with enough information, you're in a better position to highlight all the ways your skills can match the company's needs.

• Pointers to prepare for an interview

With more than 30 years of experience, I’ve successfully placed many candidates in various industries. Guiding them throughout the process is part of the job. This means providing relevant information about the employer, the specifics of a job and other useful resources. Giving helpful pointers sets candidates up for a strong interview performance.

Usually, I share insights on what the ideal candidate would look like, the employer's needs, what kind of questions to expect and what questions shouldn’t be asked in an interview. When a candidate is prepared and well-informed, the hiring process feels less daunting, leading to a more positive candidate experience.

READ: Guaranteed tips to stand out in a job interview

• Serving the client's needs

As a recruiting partner, I work closely with candidates and employers in all touchpoints of the recruitment process. This means acting as a sounding board for both parties and advocating for candidates when they're the best fit for the job. At the end of the day though, it's essential to keep in mind that the hiring process is geared toward serving the needs of the potential employer.

It’s my job to lay the groundwork for a great hire by connecting companies with top talent. However, the decision will still ultimately rest in the hands of the hiring manager. It goes without saying that the company’s assessment always takes precedence in hiring decisions.

As a valuable resource to candidates, partnering with an expert recruiter can set you on a very rewarding career path. Managing expectations and keeping a positive attitude throughout the recruitment process can do a lot to establish a valuable professional relationship that can serve you well in the long run.