A great recruiter is a helpful ally during your job search. Recruiters have connections, and working with recruiters opens doors you may have difficulty getting through on your own. On the other hand, not all recruiters offer the same quality service. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating recruiters.
1. Good Manners
If a recruiter is impolite to you in emails or on the phone, don't expect the situation to improve over time. Everyone has bad days, but a great recruiter knows how to behave professionally with clients.
2. Values Your Time
Avoid working with recruiters who are habitually more than a few minutes late. This is a sign of disrespect and shows the recruiter does not consider your time as important as his own. Similarly, look out for recruiters who frequently cancel appointments at the last minute.
3. Gets to Know You
Great recruiters spend time getting to know their clients. Look for a recruiter with great interpersonal skills who is interested in building a relationship with you.
4. Honest Communication
Expect recruiters to give you detailed information about why they need to see your resume or want you to do anything in particular. If a recruiter mysteriously alludes to opportunities without being transparent about the nature of the jobs available, take your job search elsewhere.
5. Confidence
The best recruiters exude confidence. Look for a recruiter who sincerely expresses interest in helping you with your job search. If a recruiter seems nervous or anxious about the possibility of finding the type of position you want, he is unlikely to increase the success of your job search.
6. Listening Skills
Look for recruiters who listen more than they talk, and really hear and understand what you say. Drop recruiters who frequently talk over you or misunderstand your words.
7. Acting Quickly
Your recruiter should respond quickly to job opportunities. Competition for positions can be fierce, and you don't want to miss the chance for an interview because your recruiter moves too slowly.
8. Technology
Quality recruiters are proficient at using technology for improving your job search, and communicating with you and potential employers. Expect your recruiter to stay up-to-date on best practices for social media, use job listing websites and know mobile technology trends.
9. Timely Feedback
Your recruiter should give you a personal response about every position you apply for or interview for with his help. If you regularly don't hear back for a full week or if your recruiter gives noncommittal responses, it's time to find a new recruiter.
10. Staying Connected
Find recruiters who stay in regular contact with you even if they don't have immediate job leads. Sometimes things take time, but a great recruiter still sends out regular updates and requests information about your progress.
The best recruiters save you time by finding great opportunities that meet your career goals and helping you negotiate smoothly with potential employers. Bad recruiters at best waste your time and at worst move you into a less desirable position with a below market pay rate. If you find yourself working with recruiters who are rude, disconnected or simply make you feel uncomfortable, improve your job search by finding someone else.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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