What to Know Before Using a Recruiter

The job search can be challenging if you don't have inside information about which companies are hiring or what skills employers desire. Hiring a recruiter is often a popular choice for job seekers to obtain this crucial information and find job leads. Know the ins and outs of what it takes to build a successful relationship with a recruiter to positively impact your job seeking efforts.

Establish Your Brand

When hiring a recruiter, remember that you are selling your skills just as much as the recruiter is seeking your business. For recruiters to effectively assist you in the job search, you must have a clear understanding of your qualifications. Make a list of your skills related to the industry, and craft an elevator pitch that accurately portrays why you are the best candidate for jobs within your field. Sell your skills to this recruiter to gain a competitive edge that puts you at the top of the list for job considerations.

Take a Realistic Approach

Recruiters are an essential resource during your job search, but you must be completely honest and realistic about your qualifications for this relationship to work. Know that you may need to make some sacrifices when changing fields or seeking employment in upper level positions. Job seekers who expect recruiters to deliver unrealistic opportunities are often left feeling discouraged. You may need to accept some trade-offs to find opportunities that match your skills within the industry. Identify your must-haves and evaluate whether or not you are willing to take a lower salary for a stable work environment or work longer hours in a deadline-oriented environment for a higher salary. Be honest with your recruiter about your bottom line so that person can find opportunities that are viable for you.

Build a Relationship

Prepare a list of questions when meeting with your recruiter to ensure that you can build a solid, professional relationship with this individual during your job search. Inquire about available positions and job matches that are in line with your qualifications and ask for honest feedback about your application materials. Ask about how often you should expect to hear from the recruiter to help curb your temptation to call each and every day to follow up. Set expectations from the start so you can build a relationship with your recruiter that is respectful and realistic.

Establish Trust

It is imperative that you are open and honest so your recruiter can work for your best interests during the job search. Check your baggage at the door and reveal any professional missteps that could impair the search, such as lessons learned on the job, previous firings or past disagreements regarding your leadership style. Let the recruiter get to know who you are personally and professionally to help find a company that embodies a culture that fits with your professional and personal goals.

Trust your recruiter to guide you in the right direction during your job search to make this relationship a viable one. Job seekers who honestly display their qualifications, goals and objectives provide recruiters with the fuel they need to find positions that are a good fit.

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