The Two-Way Street

Recruitment consultants often get a bad rap but with the right approach they can be invaluable in getting you the right job with the right company. Knowing how to approach the situation to get the best end result can make all the difference and can lead to an on-going collaboration that lasts throughout your career.

There are many excellent recruiters and headhunters out there but as with any industry there are also plenty of people who won’t meet your expectations. Whatever the situation you are in a position to manage the relationship and maximise the outcome.

A Checklist

Before you register double check that they handle the type of role you are looking for and at the right level. Agencies will often take you on in the hope that the right role comes in but they may not be best placed to meet your needs. At the very least do not rely on a single recruiter – try to cover all the bases through a range of people covering different areas.

Make sure that they have read your CV from top to bottom. Unfortunately sometimes it’s only the first page that gets read by which time you may have been pigeon-holed. Talk to the recruiter about specific elements of your CV and mention any key skills or unusual elements that you want highlighted.

Ask the recruiter if there is anything missing or anything that is not clear or requires further explanation. For example, if you refer to an unusual software package make sure they know what it’s about.

Establish early-on the basis on which they send out your details. Do they plan to send them out on a speculative basis? Are you happy with that? Will they consult you before every approach? Generally this is considered good practice but it does depend on the situation. Ultimately you need to feel comfortable with what’s happening so don’t be afraid to set some rules of your own.

Staying in Touch

Remember that you are not the only person being handled by that individual recruiter. The fact that they haven’t phoned you for 24 hours does not mean they are not working on it. Try to be patient and allow them time to work. Appearing too desperate or pushy will not stand you in good stead.

By the same token however, don’t leave things for too long. As the saying goes: ‘the squeaky wheel gets the grease’. Whilst you don’t want to go overboard it doesn’t hurt to ‘check in’ with your consultant on a regular basis. It keeps you in the front of their minds and will ensure that you are both up to speed with any developments.

There is a balance to be struck here and you will need to use your judgement based on day to day developments and the nature of your relationship.

Information

The information provided in your CV, and by you in person, is all the recruiter has to go on when presenting you to a client. A good recruiter will ask probing questions and get a good understanding of you as a person as well as you the employee. Ideally they will want to meet you. If they don’t ask for a meeting then volunteer. It’s your chance to make the best impression and it shows willing.

Be clear about what you want. Know what salary bracket you are aiming for. Think carefully about location, travelling time etc. What are your career ambitions? Is there anything you are not willing to do? The more accurate information you can supply the more likely you are to end up with the right role.

Try to remain flexible. Unless you have a very clearly defined set of specialist skills it makes sense to keep an open mind. A recruiter won’t suggest something for which you are not suited but they might come up with something that goes beyond the obvious. They have thought about it and so should you.

Don’t be tempted to embellish. Saying that you speak French when in fact you did French O-level 15 years ago is risky and you will get caught out. Stick to facts and highlight the good things that you really have done.

Communication

If you have doubts about a role say so. Maybe you not have the full picture or there may be a simple solution. Feel free to ask plenty of questions. If you still have doubts then consider carefully whether it is worth pursuing. You do not want to waste anyone’s time.

Be considerate. If you can’t make it to a meeting tell people as soon as possible. If you decide the role is not for you tell the recruiter as soon as you know so they can speak to their client. If you say you are going send a CV/copies of certificates etc. then do so promptly. It’s all about courtesy and professionalism and it reinforces the image you present and your perceived employability.

Be available. Recruiters need to be able to get hold of you. Make sure your mobile is charged up and switched on. If you can’t talk when they call arrange an alternative time to speak when it’s convenient. Check your messages and read your emails daily.

Finally, remember that there is mutual benefit to a good working relationship with recruitment consultants. The easier you make it for them to do their job the sooner you will reap the rewards. They want to place you in that ideal role and a little give and take will go a long way towards making that happen.