Employee Insights Vol 1: What to Look for in a Recruiter
Looking for new employment can be a very challenging time for many people. It’s a time filled with uncertainty, discomfort, countless applications, and that one haunting question. “Am I making the right choice?”
One way to give you peace of mind during this transitional period is to partner with a skilled recruiter, or a trustworthy staffing/recruiting firm. But how do you know you’re making the right choice?
How do you separate pros’ from the amateurs’?
In this article, join us as we guide you through the essential traits to look for to ensure that your next move lines up with your career aspirations.
Transparency
A competent recruiter opens the communication doors to first understand where you are currently at professionally, what types of opportunities fit your skills, and ultimately what roles line up with your career.
What does the recruiters process look like? For a successful relationship between yourself and a recruiter, you should understand what types of time commitments you will be asked to make. (Applications, phone screens, client interviews).
A professional recruiter should be able to share the nature and specifications of the opportunities presented (contract to hire/ direct hire) in order for you to make a proper decision.
A good recruiter is honest with you about the types of roles you are a strong fit for, if your salary expectations are fair, and can provide additional insights on what you can do to improve your job search.
Industry Expertise
Depending on what kind of roles you are looking for, not every recruiter or staffing firm is equipped to pair you with the best opportunity.
Have you ever heard the expression, “your network, is your net worth”? Working with a specialist allows you to tap into the recruiters’ network where they have already established rapport with the correct decision makers that you can then leverage to potentially get an interview in case they are looking for someone with your skillset.
Industry specific recruiters can help you chart a course for your career given their understanding of all the nuances in the industry and are most privy to any lateral growth or upward mobility opportunities.
Effective Communication
A competent recruiter should be able to provide you with candid feedback on any interview feedback they may have received, feedback on your resume, as well as setting realistic expectations on what roles you are targeting.
Working with a successful recruiter can be a heavy communication experience. As they work with their clients to generate interviews and opportunities, they will be reaching out via calls, emails, and texts to book appointments on your behalf.
Recruiters to AVOID!
“One Size Fits ALL” Recruiters
These recruiters are transaction vs relationship minded. They do not take the time to listen and learn what you are aiming for in your next role. They are more interested in filling requisitions for their clients whether that person was suited for the role or not.
Pushy Recruiters
These recruiters tend to pressure candidates into making quick decisions that may not line up with your career objectives. They will continue to call and share any pressing role they may need to fill.
Poor Communication Recruiters
When it comes to interviewing, there are many moving parts a recruiter has no control over. Whether they have positive or negative news, a good recruiter should be able to give you feedback so you can pivot your employment search as needed.
Avoid recruiters that are non-responsive and don’t provide status updates as needed.
What about you? What can you do to make this process even easier?
Follow Through!
As much as recruiters can develop a bad reputation, you can too! If an opportunity is presented to you that you may not be interested in, be sure to let them know. This allows them to identify the next best candidate and maintain good rapport with your recruiter. Missing an interview, or not being responsive can negatively impact the recruiters perception of your character
Be Prepared
Before reaching out, be sure to have an updated resume, along with updated professional social media profiles such as LinkedIn.
Be sure to start off with a positive first impression by dressing professionally, being punctual, having video calls set up on time, etc.
Be Responsive
Promptly respond to any recruiter communications. They are on your side and actively advocating for you! They represent your best interests to their client and prompt responses are part of a successful candidate/employer experience.
Be Transparent
If you have any hesitations, questions, or concerns about a particular opportunity, bring it up to the forefront so not much time is invested in the wrong opportunities.
Request Feedback
Ask for feedback after any significant client interactions. These are additional opportunities to learn and grow from and better prepare for future opportunities if needed. Be sure to provide your recruiter with feedback on how they can better serve you.
Don’t leave your career up to chance, team up with FLAG’s professional recruiters to navigate the challenges of the employment search.
Check out our Google reviews to hear what others are saying about FLAG and our top tier recruiters.
FLAG, your one stop shop for all things hiring!
Cheers to your Success!
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