How to Work with a Recruiter

Stay Off the HR Do Not Call List

Want to know how to work best with a recruiter? The following advice will help you work best with these job placement specialists, become the desired candidate that receives the best job offers, and keep you off the HR do not call list.

Develop relationships

 with recruiters before you need them.

Unless you have an impeccable job record and skills that are in high demand, it's wise to contact a recruiter before you need employment. It's important to also look for an expert who specializes in your industry. Before I became a recruiter, I was a great resource to headhunters who would call my office looking for candidates. I answered their questions and helped them find candidates without requesting a referral fee or any favors in return. When I needed a new position these HR contacts were my biggest supporters.

Tell the truth.

If you don't want a 20 minute work commute, hate working in a cubicle and really need 85,000 dollars a year to survive, tell your recruiter upfront. Fired from your previous position because you failed a drug test? You might want to mention this incident to you HR advocate. In the long run, blemishes on your record and your work preferences can be big deal breakers. You don't want to stall negotiations between you and your new employer because you failed to mention important details concerning your previous job history.

Show me in ten seconds why you are qualified.

Most recruiters take an average of 10 seconds to read your resume. After you reply to a job announcement, recruiters take a quick scan of your job titles, the companies you've worked for, the highest level of education reached to determine whether you are a match for the position. The desire to find the right candidate is there, however the time and energy is not. That type of quick overview is the reason why most candidates never receive a response to their resume. If your experience doesn't fit the job description exactly, you won't be called in for an interview.

Interview the Recruiter first, before you meet the client.