Working with a recruiter

So you are ready to start looking for a new job and have decided to use the services of a recruitment consultant as part of your job search. Here are a few tips on how to work effectively with a recruiter to get the best results.....

1. Choose carefully

Not all recruiters are created equal - there are thousands of recruitment consultants in Australia, some specialise in a certain area, others are generalists who work across a lot of different sectors.

It is a good idea to find a recruiter who specialises in your particular industry sector – this means they will have a wider variety of clients in your industry and also good understanding of the current market conditions and salaries etc.

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your recruiter and that you feel that you can trust them – wherever possible, always look for one who is accredited with the RCSA or AESC and work in partnership with them for the best results.

2. Remember - recruiters are working in your best interests

Most recruiters work on a ‘contingency’ basis. That means they only get paid by their clients if they fill a job so they want you to get the job! In most cases, the fees recruiters charge their clients are based on a percentage of the successful candidates salary – this also means that they want to get the highest salary possible for you so make sure you are upfront with them when it comes to salary negotiations!

3. Keep track of your applications

Its best to only use one or two select recruiters and to keep a track of who they have sent your cv to – this will avoid double ups and make sure you are aware of which companies you have been represented to and who has your CV.

4. Send a Resume

When you are contacted by a recruiter, send them a copy of your resume if requested. This makes it a lot easier for them to see what positions you would be suitable for – they can keep the CV on file and search against it when new jobs come in. Just be sure to mention that you don’t want them to send your details anywhere without discussing with you first.

5. Stay In Touch and be contactable

It is worth keeping in touch with your recruiter on a regular basis when looking for work – this keeps your situation fresh in their mind so when jobs come in, they will think of you. Just don’t make it too regularly (once every couple of weeks is appropriate). When a recruiter has sent your CV to one or more of their clients it is appropriate to keep in touch more regularly and make sure they can get in contact with you to arrange interviews etc (check your emails and voicemail and return messages).

6. Be open and honest

As mentioned before – recruiters are working in your interests and need to be kept informed and up to date. If you have other offers or interviews, its better to be upfront so your recruiter is aware rather than letting them know out of the blue that you have accepted another position or are no longer available.

7. Don’t take it personally

If a recruiter indicates they cant help you or doesn’t think you are suitable for a particular position, don’t take it personally – sometimes they receive hundreds of applications for a particular position and unfortunately cant help everyone. Keep in touch and they will remember you for the next position.

8. Be upfront about your salary

Remember – recruiters want to get the best result and the highest salary possible for you and in order to do this they need you to be open with them about your current package (base salary, superannuation, bonuses etc). A specialist recruiter will have a good understanding of the current market salaries and conditions so listen to their advice and take it on board when negotiating.

DO'S AND DONT'S

DO

  • Chose a recruiter and work closely with them
  • Send your resume in Word format not PDF as some recruitment databases have issues with uploading PDFs
  • Keep track of your applications
  • Be contactable and available for interviews and meetings
  • Be upfront about your salary and realistic and informed about your expectations

DON'T

  • Use lots of different recruiters at the same time – it complicates things and harms your job hunting.
  • Lie to your recruiter or withhold information – it will come out in the end and negatively impact your application.
  • Take it personally if you are not successful – stay positive and ask for feedback.

 

To find out more, please  Contact us and we will be happy to help