How to Communicate With Job Recruiters

Recruiters are often the first people you will talk to when you are looking for a job. The key to getting them on your side is to understand their needs and be honest.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Realize that recruiters—contract or in-house—are rewarded based on how many qualified people they pass on and how many of those are hired. That means they won't bother with you if you don't come across as a likely candidate.

2. The reality of Step 1 means you must treat a recruiter's call as seriously as you would a face-to-face interview with a hiring manager. The conversation will likely be casual in tone, but the recruiter is very serious.

3. Know your stuff. The recruiter may have your resume in hand but he or she might not have read it and if they have, it probably was only skimmed. Have all the details on the tip of your tongue.

4. In addition to career details, prepare yourself for the "typical" questions such as "why did you leave your last job?" and "what are your salary expectations?" Prepare a couple of questions to ask because they will likely offer you the opportunity. Try "could you describe the company culture?"

Tips & Warnings

• Time is money to recruiters; answer their questions briefly, but completely.
• It's OK to ask recruiters about next steps and time lines.