Recruiters as Your Advocate
Finding employment on your own is often frustrating and a bit overwhelming. With
a Populus Group recruiter as your advocate you may have far more opportunities
for placement.
Working with a Recruiter
Everyone knows that a successful job search requires networking, having a
well-written resume, preparing for interviews, as well as being proactive and
conducting informational interviews. Another part of your job search could
include working with a recruiter. Developing a good relationship with a
recruiter can be another excellent opportunity to expand your job search.
Be Diligent
Don't make the mistake of thinking that once you've found a recruiter that your
work is over. A good recruiter will always tell you to continue with your job
search by sending resumes, continuing to network, and schedule informational
interviews. You should think of the job search as a team effort and working
with a recruiter as just another part of your team. The recruiter is there to
work with you, finding a good match between your skills and the requirements of
the positions at the companies they are working with.
Build a Relationship
Remember a recruiter generally works with a particular set of companies. You
could have great skills and credentials, but the recruiter's particular
companies may not have a need for someone like you at this time. Recruiters
almost always work proactively and try to create a good match between the
candidate and the client. Because recruiters establish good relationships with
client companies (even if there isn't an opening listed) they will present you
to the company if you have qualifications that the recruiters know the company
might be interested in.
Come prepared for your initial consultation with a recruiter. Treat the
recruiter as you would any employer. Bring a well-written resume and at least
two references that can confirm your abilities on the job. Recruiters cannot
send you on interviews with their client companies until they have checked your
references. Here's a suggestion, stay in contact with past supervisors, even if
they have joined another company, so they can be available to attest to your
performance.
The only sure way to develop a good relationship with any recruiting firm, large
or small is to be frank and helpful whenever they call to ask about your
personal career goals and experience. With this attitude you're helping the
recruiter, not just trying to get them to help you. If you sound impressive on
the phone and you genuinely try to help, those facts will be duly noted in your
file.
Have Patience
Being patient with the process is a key to your success. Most recruiters will
advise that open and honest communication will work best in building trust and
rapport. For instance, recruiters need to know if you're interviewing
(simultaneously) for other positions when they send you on an interview. This
information can be used to your benefit with the hiring manager.
Working with recruiters can certainly help you find a position faster. However,
it's important to remember that recruiters are there to assist you in this
process but can only be successful if you're both honest and cooperative.