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Control Your Resume
Remember to stay in control of where your resume is being sent. Make sure your recruiter talks
with you about employers they are presenting with your information. You don't want to be surprised
by having your resume sent to a person or employer you aren't comfortable with.
Avoid Duplicate Submissions
Let your recruiter know where you have already sent your resume if they are going to make a duplicate
submission. Submitting multiple resumes to the same employer and for the same job can create confusion
and may harm your chances for getting a job.
Work with Quality Recruiters
Be selective. Work only with recruiters you are confident are representing you to the employer,
not including your information in mass responses to job leads on the internet. Ask to speak with
other candidates they have successfully represented.
Exclusive Agreements
If a recruiter asks you for an “exclusive” agreement, be sure it is for a specific
job or employer and the timeframe is short, e.g., a week or so. In some cases, an exclusive can
work to your advantage because you usually become the recruiter’s top priority during the
period of exclusivity.
Discuss Career Options
Feel free and comfortable talking with your recruiter about career options. The more they know
about your needs and preferences, the better they will be able to serve you. Don’t hesitate
to let them know your long-term goals. Many recruiters will help a candidate throughout their career
as they advance up multiple corporate ladders.
Present a Positive Image
While you don’t have to be a highly skilled and experienced employee to work with a recruiter,
it makes it easier to find a recruiter willing to represent you. When your skills or experience
are limited, you need to work harder and package yourself in such a way as to look as good as possible
to potential recruiters.
Be Sure There is a Good Fit
Some recruiters will not be a good fit for you. They may not have good “chemistry”
with you, may not be very focused on your needs, or may simply be interested in making volumes of
referrals as opposed to quality referrals. If a recruiter isn’t fitting with your needs, move
on.
Industry Experience is Important
Be sure the recruiters you work with are focused on the job markets and employers that fit with
your skills, background, and industry segment. Don’t spend time with recruiters that are trying
to get square pegs to fit in round holes.
Understand any Fees Up Front
Most recruiters are paid by the hiring organization. Professional recruiters are generally paid
20-30% of the new hire’s salary for the first year and they work hard for this fee. Some recruiters
are paid by the job seeker. Be cautious of these applicant-paid arrangements so that you aren’t
caught off guard when informed you owe them a hefty fee.
Nurture the Relationship
If you find a recruiter who is a career professional and they work hard for you, be sure you
nurture and maintain contact with that person. You may find that they become a partner with you
throughout your career.
Get to Know Them Personally
Many people only know their recruiter via phone conversations. It can be very helpful to take
the initiative to meet face-to-face with your recruiter and build a more personalized relationship
with them. You might find that this is a good way to stay in the forefront of their placement efforts.
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Building solid working relationships with recruiters
Your relationship with the recruiter is a partnership where you have common goals in mind. You can enhance this partnership
by being open and honest with your recruiter. Strong communication and relationship-building skills will serve you well
in this regard.
Nurture the relationships with recruiters you are working with. It can pay long-term dividends.