Tips for Working With a Recruiter

The right recruiter can kick your job search into high gear

When it comes to a job search, a recruiter is like a personal trainer who helps you get in top form for your job search. While a personal trainer helps you get in shape, a recruiter's job is to help you get in step with hiring trends, market yourself and land a job that is perfect for you. In both cases, you get out of these advisors what you put into the situations.

Working with a recruiter offers definite benefits in any job market, but in a recessionary environment, it has distinct advantages. "Recruiters have strong relationships with hiring managers and a direct connection to jobs that are not posted or advertised," says Carmelina Pagano, Vice President at 24 Seven's New York office. "In many instances, they can move you to the front of the line if your skills are a good match."

What does it take to foster a productive connection with a recruiter? How do you catch their attention and make yourself top of mind when it comes to job openings? For starters, you need to be open to advice, fully engaged in your job search and realistic about your career goals, says Pagano. Having the right skills and mindset makes you employable in a recruiter's book.

Pagano offers job seekers a few other helpful insights about working with recruiters:

Choose a recruiter that specializes in your field
You need an expert in your field who is working on your behalf and has the right contacts. Choose a recruiter or recruiting firm that is closely aligned with your business and known in your industry.

Be upfront, honest and communicative
A recruiter needs to know everything about you that is relevant to your career. Be open and honest about your background, experience and career aspirations. What is your idea of an ideal work environment? Do you mind travel? What is your forte? Give your recruiter all the information he or she needs to effectively pitch you to prospective companies.

Be flexible and open to advice
Do you have realistic goals for a job in this environment? Are you unwilling to take less pay or handle other tasks that may come with your new job? Are you open to the advice your recruiter has to offer? Your flexibility and openness may, to a great degree, determine how well a recruiter can work on your behalf. Your advisor will educate you about current hiring trends and guide you in strategies that will help your job search.

Show initiative and follow up
If a recruiter sends you on an interview, make sure to call and let him or her know how the meeting went. Work with your recruiter as a team and offer feedback that can help him help you. Also. If you are interviewing for other jobs, keep your recruiter informed about your activities just in case he or she has contacts at the company.

Be patient
The current job market is flooded with job seekers. Recruiters are inundates and may find it challenging to touch base with every candidate. Follow up at least once a week with your contact to keep him or her updated on any new skills, freelance work or training you have done. Your periodic status reports are an important reminder that you are still available and ready to work.

Tap into your recruiter's expertise
How long has it been since you searched for a job? If a few years have passed, you may need to brush up on the basics before you line up interviews. Recruiters can offer a treasure trove of free information that will help you get your bearings in your job search. Ask your recruiter for pointers about resumes, cover letters, interview techniques and other matters.

A recruiter's number-one job is to get you hired! Your success is literally your recruiter's reward. And, having that kind of support in any job environment is a huge boon.