The way that individuals are hired in the workplace is changing. Today, it’s all about how you’re connected. It’s about the network that you build and who you can partner with to find a job that fits your professional needs. A recruiter is a staffing professional who provides you with expertise, contacts, and job leads within your industry. They can be invaluable to you, but only if you use them in the right way. Here’s what you need to know about maximizing your partnership with your recruiter.
1. Find the right fit.
The right recruiter for one individual may not be the right recruiter for the person in the cubicle next to yours. This means that finding a recruiter is a bit of an involved process, but it’s worth it to see it through so that you can maximize the benefits down the road. So, what does finding the “right” fit look like?
a. Ask whether your recruiter is experienced in your area. Some recruiters work across all different industries and others tend to specialize. You want to have an idea of who you’re working with and how that can benefit you. If you have a resume that could benefit from cross-exposure, a recruiter that takes on a variety of career searches could be advantageous to you. However, if you know what you want in terms of work and have a goal in your specific industry, then there’s a very different thing to be gained from specialized recruiting experience.
b. Ask for examples of past career searches. What’s the best indicator of future work performance? Past work performance! Ask where people with credentials like yours have been placed previously. It can give you an idea of what your potential outcome could be with that recruiter.
c. Ask for how your recruiter would plan to handle your search. Get specific! Your professional career is unique and knowing how a recruiter would handle your search is vital in understanding whether or not you two could be a good fit.
2. Make a personal effort.
After you find an individual that you work well with, it doesn’t stop there! It takes time and effort to develop a relationship, but it’s ultimately worth your time to do so. Think of it this way; the better that your recruiter knows you and your experience, the better equipped they will be to help you in the job process. Now, you shouldn’t expect your recruiter to act as a professional development coach or re-craft your resume. However, you can lean on them for support and expertise if you need guidance or feedback. A good recruiter is honest. They have experience from working with a variety of clients in the past, and this can certainly be helpful to you throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to get to know them and let them in on your method.
3. Be honest.
Building a relationship should come with honesty and trust. Your recruiter is there to help you with your professional path. However, just like a good recruiter is honest when providing you feedback and guidance, you must extend the same courtesy. They cannot do their jobs as effectively if you’re not honest about certain aspects of this process. Do you like the opportunities they’re sending you? What are your salary expectations? Were you let go from any past roles? Did you have reasons for leaving a position that will impact if you’re willing to take a similar role in the future? The only way that your recruiter can help you navigate these issues is if you’re honest with them!
4. Check-in and follow-up.
You and your recruiter are a team. In fact, recruiters have been compared to car accelerators, not steering wheels. Even if you have a recruiter, you are ultimately still in control of your career. Recruiters are most valuable to you when you’re looking to advance your career—not looking at a career change. You’re directing your steps towards your next job opportunity in the field, and your recruiter is merely there to make the process easier. Check-in with your recruiter regularly (without badgering them) and follow-up if there’s an opportunity you’re interested in. Open and ongoing communication early on is crucial.
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Looking for more information? At The Jule Group, I focus on placing senior-level accounting contractors in the Seattle and Portland markets. I prioritize transparency, flexibility, and diligence in my work. It's important to me (and you!) to make sure that you’re in a job that’s an optimal fit.
Visit here for more information on my work and how I can help you. I'm also on Instagram @julegroupgal
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