6 Tips for Working with Recruiters
Vincent Benjamin

Are you thinking about working with an executive recruiter for the first time? If so, there are some things you should know before you make that phone call. An executive recruiter can be your best ally in your job search so it is important that you know all of the right ways to approach them and work with them to help you find your next opportunity. Here are some tips for working with executive recruiters.

  1. Work with recruiters who specialize. The most important thing you can do is to work with a recruiter who specializes in your field of expertise. This means that the clients they work with are far more likely to be seeking a candidate with your specific skill set. Research recruiting firms in your area and talk to several to determine who will be the best fit for helping you with your job search.
  2. The client is the customer, you are the service. It is also essential that you understand exactly how recruiting works. The client is the recruiter’s customer. They contact the search firm when they have an open position and the recruiter then sources candidates who are a good fit for the job. A recruiter wants to fill these jobs so they are happy to work with candidates who fit the requirements of the job. If you do not fit the jobs they have now, don’t take it personally. Maintain these relationships for future opportunities.
  3. Your pay is not affected by the recruiter’s fee. In no way is your salary impacted by the recruiter’s fee. Any money provided to the recruiter for their services of finding a qualified candidate for their client will be paid for entirely by the client. The salary that you and the recruiter negotiate will not be impacted. However, the recruiter’s fee is impacted by your salary. They want to negotiate as high a salary as possible because their fee is based on a percentage of your annual pay.
  4. Make it easy to be found by recruiters. Your job as a candidate is to put yourself in a position where recruiters will find you when they are looking for individuals with your specific skills. Make sure you have a completed LinkedIn profile and remain active on that site. Other tools you should utilize include a personal website with a regularly updated blog that positions you as a thought leader and branded social media profiles.
  5. Trust the recruiter to work on your behalf. Once you are part of the job negotiation process you need to trust the recruiter to work on your behalf to get you the best deal possible. They are trained and skilled at negotiating salary. They will also coach you on the company with whom you’re interviewing. They will be your greatest resource in this process.
  6. Continue the connection after you’re hired. Once you get the job, don’t end the relationship with your recruiter. You never know when you might find yourself in need of their services again and if you maintain a good connection they are likely to remember you favorably in the future. Send a thank you note after you’re hired and turn the tables to become a resource for them by referring candidates and professional contacts.

Do you want to work with a professional recruiter to help you find a job? VincentBenjamin specializes in IT and accounting placements and can help you today!

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