In order to have a working relationship with anyone, including a recruiter, you have to be able to communicate effectively. The ability to form ongoing relationships with recruiters can improve your career success more than any other means of networking. Working with recruiters can have a wide variety of benefits — such as opening up job opportunities you didn’t know existed and providing valuable tips on building your resume. Here are a few tips on how to work together with your recruiter.
Clearly Convey Your Goals
Many times, job seekers will complain that they’re being pressured to interview for a position that doesn’t interest them or is not in their scope of knowledge. They may end up doing poorly in the interview, hurting their ongoing relationship with the recruiter. Job seekers can prevent this from the get-go by simply communicating with their recruiter about their professional goals and current skill set. The more your recruiter knows about what you’re searching for, the more accurately they can make career suggestions. If you are approached for a position that doesn’t interest you, it’s best to politely decline and let your recruiter know what you’re looking for.
Don’t Go Through The Motions
Taking an interview that you know you are not interested in is a bad move. By trying to stay in the recruiter’s good graces and accepting the interview, you’re actually hurting your working relationship. It’s a lose-lose situation for you and your recruiter, even if you interview well and don’t accept the job. Remaining honest with your recruiter will build a long-term relationship with them.
Let The Recruiter Run The Show
One of the best things you can do for your recruiter is to let them do what they do best. Some job seekers may feel anxious about not being in control of the hiring process, causing them to take actions which may be misinterpreted as stepping on the toes of the recruiter. The best thing to do is always ask their permission or opinion rather than take matters in your own hands. This can include anything from sending thank you notes to interviewers, all the way to negotiating salary through your recruiter.
Remain Professional
Staying gracious when losing a job offer is a good way to stay on your recruiter’s good side. Sometimes, applicants will talk poorly about the hiring manager, making them look petty and unprofessional — and many don’t realize they are bad mouthing their recruiter’s clients. Acting professional when things don’t go your way and when they do is highly indicative to your recruiter that you are someone worth working with. Thank your recruiter for their time and inform them that you’d be interested in anything in the same vein that comes your way. If you get turned down for a job, don’t lose your composure with your recruiter. Complaining has no benefit in the job seeker’s world.
Working with a recruiter can grow your career and opportunities by leaps and bounds if done correctly. Recruiting companies help you play the long game — whether or not you take a job today is not as important as whether you’ll be considered for future positions. Communicate, be professional, and your recruiter can help you find exactly what you need.