Here’s how to help your recruiter sell you

In case you hadn’t noticed, the job market is picking up! Last week, a record five recruiters showed up to conduct speed interviews at a local networking meeting. As employers struggle to find the talent they need, they often turn to recruiters for help.

It may make sense to work with a recruiter as part of your overall job-search strategy. However, many job seekers have misconceptions about what recruiters do and how best to work with them.

It can be confusing to know how to choose the right recruiter for your situation. Do you go to a general staffing agency? Should you work with a more specialized search firm or a professional headhunter?

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The type of agency or recruiter you choose depends on your career goals. Start by researching options and asking trusted colleagues for recommendations. Once you have a list of possible agencies, set appointments to meet with recruiters face to face.

Eric Lea, branch manager at Robert Half, suggests candidates interview recruiters to learn about their areas of focus, the industries they serve and types of positions they fill.

“With the market picking up, many boutique firms and new recruiters are coming on the scene,” Lea said. “It is perfectly acceptable to ask a recruiter about their years of experience and how long the firm has been in business. Be selective!”

Additionally, “Many people assume that they cannot work with more than one firm at the same time. This is not necessarily the case. I often tell job seekers to select two recruiters and I encourage them to keep up their own search efforts as well.”

It is important to note that you never want to pay a recruiter a fee in order to utilize their services. Reputable recruiters are hired and paid by companies to fill openings.

Some agencies offer job-search or career-counseling services in addition to placement support. These establishments may charge a fee to update your résumé and “promise” to present you to their illustrious list of clients. This is a red flag! Too often, job seekers end up with a mediocre résumé and never hear from the recruiter again. In general, if it sounds too good to be true, hold onto your wallet and run in the opposite direction.

That being said, you can find a wide variety of respectable recruitment firms in Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties. Many have been in business for years and are staffed with highly professional recruiters who are passionate about what they do.

As a job seeker, what can you do to create a successful relationship with a reputable recruiter? Lea offered three key pieces of advice.

“First, it is important to treat your initial meeting as a professional interview. Many candidates assume they can dial down their professionalism when they come in to meet with me. This is a common mistake.,” he said.

“I am looking at how you act and react to different questions. I am even watching how you interact with my administrative staff. I am assessing your professionalism and considering how you would fit in with different client companies.”

One of the worst mistakes you can make is to walk into a recruiting firm and say, “I am looking for a job.” While recruiters can provide valuable coaching and support, they are not there to help you determine a career path.

Go into the meeting with a target position in mind, an updated résumé, a solid LinkedIn profile and a list of references. You will make a strong first impression if you are clear about the type of position you want and the value you can provide a potential employer.

Second, you need to follow up. The idea is to build a relationship with a recruiter and that takes time and effort. “Communication needs to run both ways,” Lea said. “Staying in touch is important because timing can be everything.”

Keep in mind that recruiters will have different preferences about how often to check in and whether they prefer a phone call or email. The goal is to figure out how to remain on a recruiter’s radar without becoming a pest.

Finally, Lea stressed that candidates be open to feedback and coaching. A recruiter’s job is to sell a candidate to a client company. Your job is to help the recruiter sell you.

Recruiters are incredibly aware of what their clients are looking for in new hires. They can provide keen insights to help you shine when you are in front of hiring managers.

According to Lea, “I give candidates open feedback about their résumés and professional dress. I also coach them through the interview process as well as during the salary negotiation stage.”

Many job seekers remain skeptical about the benefits of working with a recruiter in general and many are especially averse to taking temporary assignments. They worry that a contract assignment will negatively impact their unemployment benefits or impede their search for full-time employment.

Lea offered a different perspective, “Temporary positions can help keep your skills fresh and you may even add new skills and industry experience to your résumé,” he said. “Project work through a temporary assignment is also a great way to grow your network.  And, there is no better way to test the waters to see if you like a company culture should a permanent position come available.” 

One thing that job seekers often lose sight of is that a professional recruiter’s reputation – and ultimately their paycheck – are driven by the quality of candidates they provide to their client companies. It helps to enter into a recruiting partnership with this awareness.

To be clear, a recruiter can be a valuable job-search partner. You cannot saunter into a staffing firm in a pair of jeans and sneakers and expect to land a fabulous job. However, taking the time to build a professional relationship with the right recruiter (or two) can lead you to opportunities you would not have been able to uncover on your own.

Carrie Pinsky is a freelance writer, job-search coach and training specialist. Reach her at Pink Sky Counseling and Career Services, 970-225-0772 or www.pink-sky.net.