Recruiter Advice

Are you listening closely?

Listen closely to what the recruiter says and asks!

• Read the advertisement carefully and tailor your resume to the requirements.
• If the recruiter asks you to revise your resume, make sure you know what needs to be changed.
• Never lie or stretch the truth to the recruiter.
• Recruiters don’t like surprises along the way. If you are expecting a new baby or your spouse’s career is important, be sure the recruiter knows.
• Don’t be hesitant to follow-up after a conversation with the recruiter; it shows initiative and interest.
• Commissioned recruiters will reveal the name of the company at the appropriate time. Confidentiality is often a factor.
• Know that having an ongoing relationship with the recruiter can help you in the future, not just now.  Professional demeanor is ALWAYS important.
• If you are not the right candidate, helping the recruiter locate the right person is a huge assistance to both you and the recruiter.  You will be remembered!
• Let the recruiter know where you’ve already sent your resume; this will save both you and the recruiter time and effort.  The recruiter cannot get paid if your resume is on file recently.  The time limit varies with the company.
• If you have over a year’s gap since you last worked, chances are good that a fee-based recruiter (i.e., contingency recruiter or retained) cannot place you.  For a recruiter to receive a fee, your skills must be very recent and an exact fit for the company.
• If you are changing careers, a fee-based recruiter cannot place you.  For a recruiter to get a fee, you must have the exact skills the company requests, not transferable skills from another industry.

Please don’t pay anyone to find you a job.  The company pays your fee, if you are qualified and a recruiter finds you.   There are unscrupulous agencies who will charge you to “blast” your resume to many companies, rarely resulting in a placement.   You have to participate.  Expect hard work!

What candidates say

“I liked the “Factors for Success” in the presentation Achieving MORE than a Paycheck.”