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How To Really Use A Recruiter To Find You A Job

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1. Partner with a Recruiter that works your area

The first thing to understand when using a recruiter is that they don’t find you a job. Allrecruiters typically work fee paid by the client company. Recruiters are usually experienced in specific areas so when you have made the decision to use a recruitment agency be sure to focus on finding one who specialises in your line of work. Some agencies are large enough that they have recruitment consultants for most areas of work so you need to do a bit of research to learn which consultant you should contact directly. Do this simply by calling the recruitment firm directly and enquiring, or by viewing current jobs posted on the firms website and noting the contact name which reoccurs under your jobs of interest. Next, make the introduction and explain how you have found them, you understand that they work your particular area of speciality, and you would like to work with them to see if they have any relevant positions for you. If you approach a recruiter in this way then you partner with them a lot better, as opposed to simply approaching them to find you a job.

 

2. Be prepared for the Recruiter

Most candidates are prepared with an up to date CV and references. But think about a few things in advance of meeting your recruiter that will help them have as much relevant information about you in order to match you with a good fit role quicker. – What types of role exactly are you looking for/ interested in?- What companies have you contacted and approached directly to date?- What are the ‘must haves’ in your new role?- Have examples of specific success stories you can go through- Have a list of challenges you have overcome in previous roles- Make sure to prepare some questions for the recruiters, such as ‘how often will they be in contact with you?’; ‘how soon might they find you something?’; ‘how often should you check in with them?’; ‘will they prepare you for interview?’; ‘can they get you feedback from interviews?’ etc.Don’t leave the interview thinking ‘I wish I had asked them that’, or for the recruiter thinking the same! Tell them everything and ask them everything you can in the initial meeting/ interview.

 

3. Be honest with the Recruiter

The recruiter is your ally and representative. Be honest with them about your aspirations, background and salary expectations. Don’t inflate your achievements or say what you think the recruiter wants to hear. The recruiter needs correct information to ensure you get noticed.

 

4. Let the Recruiter know ‘the real you’

Don’t pretend to be something you are not. It is an interview and you need to put your best foot forward but let the real you shine through. Your recruiter needs to know the real you in order to ensure a good job match.

 

5. Maintain & manage the relationship

You have built the relationship and now you need to maintain and manage it. This does not mean calling your recruiter every day to check in, but keeping in touch every second week or so be it by email or a quick call. A good recruiter will have you in mind regardless of your contact and will only make contact with you if any relevant roles arise they think you might be interested in.

Once placed in a role keep in touch every couple of months to a year. You never know when you’ll need their help again!