Recruiters offer jobseekers introductions to opportunities. If you have never worked with a recruiter before, the following insights might be helpful.
What is the Recruiter’s job?
Companies engage outside recruiters to identify and recruit qualified candidates for specific positions.
What are the benefits of working with a recruiter?
Experienced recruiters have a network of relationships with employers. This network can provide candidates with insights on potential employers, industry compensation practices, and an inventory of skills required for specific positions. Recruiters can also provide resume, interview and salary negotiation advice.
How is the Candidate / Recruiter relationship established?
There are two ways the relationship is initiated. The recruiter identifies the candidate through their network and makes contact, or the candidate identifies the recruiter and makes contact.
The second step is a conversation. During that conversation, the candidate provides an overview of their education, skills, experience and professional goals. If the recruiter has an appropriate search assignment and there is a potential fit with the client company, the recruiter will begin the process of more fully evaluating the candidate by reviewing their resume, on-line profile(s), and scheduling additional conversations.
How long will this process take?
There is no set timeline. Recruiters will try to establish expectations based on past experiences, but hiring processes differ from company to company and from department to department.
As a candidate, you can help by being prepared. A recruiter will be impressed if you clearly relate your experiences, skills, objectives and the value you will bring to a new company. Impressing a recruiter will shorten the time they spend identifying candidates and the time before they present their recommendations to their client(s).
What else?
Be honest, be open and work with the recruiter. Avoid surprising them with last minute caveats or information that could embarrass both you and the recruiter.
Gary Yaekle is the Managing Partner of Yaekle & Company, an executive search firm focused on connecting innovative companies with talented and experienced marketing and advertising professionals.
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