As a firm that does a lot of work recruiting IT and creative talent, we know that your relationship with a recruiter is just as important as the jobs you're looking to interview for. So, how can you ensure a strong relationship on your end? Check out our advice on getting the most out of your recruiter relationship:
KEEP YOUR RESUME CURRENT
Like most interactions while on the job hunt, a recruiter will most likely want to see your resume prior to meeting with you. So, to make the most of this initial meeting, be sure that your resume is up to date with your latest or current role so you both are starting with accurate information. This not only saves time in the initial meeting, but it saves you time when tailoring your resume for specific job opportunities. It’s much easier to add or tweak a few lines than it is to write an entire role description and set of responsibilities. Keeping your resume current will not only save you time, but will also increase the likelihood of being contacted by a recruiter if you use job boards such as Dice or Monster!
OPEN COMMUNICATION
A recruiter will go to battle for you, but they need to know all the facts. Being transparent is important because they can only solve the problems they know about! If there’s a gap in your resume, tell them why and be honest, they won’t use it against you. When it comes to job specifics, keep it rolling.If you have a salary range in mind, tell them. If company and team culture is important to you, be sure to outline what specifically works for you. If remote work is going to be a deciding factor, make that known! The only thing that can come from lack of transparency is lack of satisfaction, it’s your career so be as detailed as you can.
FOLLOW THROUGH ON COMMITMENTS
Working with a recruiter is a two-way street, like most professional relationships. You’re looking for your recruiter to follow through on their commitments to you, so it’s important that you follow through on your commitments to them. Whether it’s agreeing to get them an updated resume by close of business, or scheduling a follow-up call, it builds trust to deliver on these. If something comes up, let them know! Most importantly, if a recruiter schedules you for an interview, follow through! Skipping interviews not only damages your relationship with that recruiter and their firm, but it damages your relationship with the client as well!
BE AVAILABLE
This doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7, no one can be. Having a productive relationship with a recruiter requires commitment, which in part is being responsive. Recruiters should do their best to accommodate your schedule (especially if you’re currently working), but it would be great if you could make yourself reasonably available. Some jobs move faster than others and some opportunities pass quickly! Be sure to check your email and voicemails regularly, follow up quickly, establish a preferred method of communication, and let them know the best times to reach you at.
If you’re going to miss a check-in, or a deliverable is going to be late, let them know ahead of time. And lastly, if you really must reschedule an interview let them know as soon as possible! Life happens and things come up, but as much advance notice as possible helps all parties!
KEEP IN TOUCH
Keeping in touch may be the most important. Ideally, when you do land the job through your recruiter, it’s important to stay in contact throughout your project. Let them know how you like your role, if the work is what you expected/enjoy, if you like management etc. All of this info is beneficial to your relationship and could help land you in a similar or an even better position when your contract is up! However, in the unfortunate case that you do not receive a job offer the first time you work with a recruiter, staying in touch is crucial. The recruiter should be following up with you on their own, but it never hurts to keep them in the loop from your end. Let them know how the job hunt is going, if you’ve added to your skillset with certifications or courses, if you’re looking to change industry, anything! By doing this you make it that much easier for recruiters to place you in positions that you’ll not only succeed, but will enjoy. This goes back to keeping open communication with the recruiter and just strengthening that relationship. Good things come to those who communicate!
We hope that these tips help you on your next recruiter relationship, and we encourage you to try them with Mills Thomas! If you have any questions or tips of your own, let us know in the comments. As always, for those of you on the job hunt, good luck!!