Tips for managing your recruiter relationships
Both parties in a candidate-recruiter
relationship should provide value
By developing a good relationship with your recruiter you can increase your chances of finding a job that is the perfect fit for your needs. You should view your recruiter relationship as long-lasting in addition to being mutually beneficial for you both. With this attitude you will be helping the recruiter – not just trying to get them to help you.
When working with a recruiter it's good to fall in the middle of the recruiter management scale. Some candidates tend to be very cautious about forwarding their resumes unless it's for a position they are interested in. On the other hand, you have those who micro-manage their job search and over step their bounds as a candidate. By staying neutral to either of these spectrums, you can be successful as a candidate. In addition, your recruiter will most likely be able to find you a position that best fits your abilities.
The following are some helpful tips when working with a recruiter:
- Understand that executive recruiters have clients seeking specific candidates, so their business is driven by that client's leadership recruiting needs, not the availability of candidates.
- Only send an updated resume when major changes take place in your career (ie, the recruiter should know about a promotion, he doesn't need to know about the engagement you are starting in a new industry).
- Your recruiter should be contacting you with specific opportunities so you do not need to be receiving generic updates.
- Understand that your recruiter has other candidates that they are working with, so you need be patient.
- Be sure to contribute your own ideas, recommendations and suggestions. A good recruiter will recognize and appreciate this effort.
- Make sure you are getting timely updates when a specific opportunity is in play. You should always be aware where you are being presented to a prospective employer.