How To Get A WIN Working With A Recruiter
The best part about working with a recruiter is that you ultimately have the same goal - finding the right job with the right employer.
A match where both sides win. This is how recruiters get paid and how you get hired.
You’ve done some research and think you’re ready to work with a recruiter. You’re not ready to publish an “open for opportunities” post on your LinkedIn just yet and would rather take all of the guesswork and crossed-fingers out of the job search. You want to know about unposted opportunities, but you don’t have the network or insight to find them. It would also be extremely helpful to have some guidance and get feedback from someone who knows your industry, can share how you stack up against competitors, and if your salary expectations are right on track or out of this world.
Working with a recruiter seems like it’s right up your alley. But first, you should remember that recruiting isn’t a yellow-brick road that paves the way for your new, dream career, especially if:
You are interested in a major career pivot. If you’re moving from real estate to retail fashion, this is going to require you to look at yourself in a new light. A recruiter will not be able to pivot you for such a big leap.
You don’t have much experience or a specific niche. If you are an entry-level candidate or someone who has a VERY specific skill set you want to make sure you find a recruiter that supports specific jobs or recruits on projects at the level in which you are seeking.
You have a short, multi-industry work history. If you’re a job hopper with 5+ jobs under a year, a recruiter may not jump at the opportunity to work with you. Hiring managers want to see commitment. You are an investment to them, so they want to be confident that you won’t leave them hanging out to dry if they invest in you.
A recruiter cannot define your “why” and isn’t a genie who knows exactly what you are looking for right off the bat. Before starting your search, make sure you have clarity on what jobs you are looking to align with (and maybe even some specific companies). The more concise, the better you are for a recruitment partner.
How to get started working with a recruiter:
Apply for a job on a recruiter's website. You can’t be more direct than that!
Send recruiters and HR departments a message or an email to start a conversation. Are you stuck trying to figure out what that kind of email will even look like? Click here for a fill-in-the-blank email that you can fine-tune in just a few minutes! This is just what you need to get noticed!
Be as detailed as possible and include salary expectations, location details, and your desired work schedule (hybrid, in-office, or remote). The more information you can share ahead of time, the better recruiters will be able to match you with the right position.
If you’re ready and willing to make your job search public, post on social media that you’re looking for a recruiter and share it with your network. Trust me, recruiters will come!
What to remember when working with a recruiter:
One resume is enough. Recruiters may consider you for a few roles at a time but there is no need to apply to multiple positions through their website. It could make it look like you are fishing, rather than actually researching.
Be prepared for an interview. Recruiters will want to know more about you than just what your resume tells them. A conversation with a recruiter is actually an interview, so make sure you are prepared. Here are some questions to get your gears moving:
What is motivating you to make a career move at this time?
If you could change one thing about your current job, what would it be?
Where do you think you will thrive in your next role?
When you resign, do you have a non-compete or anything that would hold you back from taking an offer in 4-6 weeks?
How would your current boss describe you?
Why are you not considering an internal promotion in your own company?
Is there anything your current company could do to get you to stay?
Do you prefer working in big brands or start-up environments?
What brings you joy in life?
What are you passionate about in your professional career?
Do your due diligence. Recruiters are not going to always tell you what you want to hear, nor are they all going to have your best interests at heart. Make sure you do your research before working with one. A good recruiter will want to get you on the phone and get personal. Anyone who seems to be distant really doesn’t give two pop tarts about you. Next!
Be transparent and honest. Your recruiter is there to match you with a position that works best for everyone, but that can’t happen if you aren’t open and honest about certain things like your salary expectation and location. You may also want to share some concerns you have from previous positions you’ve held. A recruiter may help you steer clear of openings that don’t match your needs.
It’s all about timing. Recruiters may not be able to pair with you an opening right away. It could take weeks or months, so it’s important to remember not to quit your job and think that recruiting is your only ticket to success. You still need to pay your bills, honey!
Check your messages! There is nothing worse than a recruiter finding you a good position but they can’t tell you about it because they simply can’t reach you. We get it! You have 400 other notifications to look through. But your career depends on these opportunities, so be responsive!
Recruiters are there to be a resource. But their resources only go so far. If you are lacking in confidence, are filled with overwhelm and self-doubt, or are unsure how to clearly articulate your authentic value, then an Executive Career & Business Coach is actually what you need. If you’re ready to bring your A-game to the table, click here to start working with me today!
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