How to Use a Recruiter to Get a Job

Recruiters assess career potential

Recruiters are an exceptional resource to job seekers especially in the sense that they have have access to jobs not advertised or posted on the Internet. A job seeker can have an excellent relationship with a recruiter if they understand the dynamics of working with one. Recruiters work with hiring managers in seeking out high caliber potential candidates that both meet and exceed the expectations of the position to be filled. A recruiter can help set up your initial interview with an employer but you still must work hard in being fully prepared to conduct yourself in a professional manner.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Network and search for opportunities to build relationships with recruiters and sign up for networking sites such as LinkedIn. Perform a search of recruiters on LinkedIn and you will find several that may be able to assist you.

2. Make sure you find a recruiter that has the experience in the field that matches the skill set of the types of opportunities you are interested in. Time is valuable, so don't waste time by contacting someone who is not a beneficial resource to you.

3. Send the recruiter your resume and create a profile with their agency. The profile should include your areas of interest and geographical preferences. This will enable the recruiter to hone into specific areas of your expertise and locations instead of doing a broad search for you.

4. If possible schedule a face to face meeting to discuss your resume and potential opportunities with the recruiter. This is also a time to get know more about the recruiter. There are several questions to ask the recruiter, such as:1. How long has your recruitment firm been in business? 2. What is the average tenure of your recruiters?3. What experience and leadership skills does the employer seek?4. Can you name some companies where you have successfully placed candidates in my field? 5. Is there a charge to me for your services?

5. Be willing to tailor your resume to the list of core competencies of positions that you are seeking. Hiring managers are looking for a specific type of person and if you don't have all those requirements spelled out in your resume, it will not be reviewed.

6. Follow up with the recruiter on a continuous basis for information on new potential opportunities or for setting up the interview.

7. If you called about the interview be sure to ask the recruiter detailed information and insight about the person who will interview you.

8. If your relationship with a recruiter lands you a position, please remember to send them a thank you letter.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk about your bottom line related to job demands, salary and perks. You and your recruiter need to know what points are negotiable and which ones are not.

• Make sure the recruitng agency does not charge you a retainer fee. You want to work with a recruiter who is paid by the company for placing candidates. There should be no charge to you.