4 Things to Know About Working With Recruiters and Headhunters
Let’s face it. Most job seekers have a love-hate relationship with recruiters and headhunters, and the process can be frustrating and grueling on both ends. Knowing just a few small nuances about how recruiters operate can save job seekers a headache and establish expectations during the process. Whether you’re seasoned with building relationships with them, or just starting the process of working with one, here are four useful insights to know about recruiters and headhunters that can help you keep your sanity while obtaining a better understanding of how they work to match you with the perfect role.
Your Resumé Means Everything (and Nothing) at First Sight
Having a tip-top resumé is just as essential when submitting to jobs as it is for recruiters when screening candidates for the perfect role. There’s a misconception that recruiters will tidy up your resumé and tailor it to fit the particular job that you’re looking to find, but in most instances this isn’t the case. Before your resumé hits the desk of a recruiter, it should be polished and ready to go. Because most recruiters are busy sifting through dozens of candidates to find a good match, if your resumé leaves much room to be desired, you may not make it through the screening process.
They Don’t Make the Decisions
Yes, it can be frustrating to wait on phone calls or emails about updates on a role, but when it comes to the ultimate decision making on whether or not you get an interview or an offer, it’s completely out of their hands. Recruiters often have their own struggles with coordinating interviews and meetings with a client, hearing feedback after a job seeker has been interviewed, or finding out if a client wants to extend an offer. In most cases, they’re in the same boat as you when it comes to playing the waiting game, so patience is a virtue.
They’re Just As Anxious As You
Since many recruiters are incentivized by placing candidates in roles, they often go through just as wide a range of emotions as the individuals they are trying to replace. They’re nervous when a candidate goes on an interview and even on edge waiting to hear back from the client about their interest in the candidate. They get frustrated with poor communication, excited when an offer is extended to their client, hopeful when they feel like they’ve found a good match for their client, and so much more.
Establish and Maintain Good Relationships with Them
Even if they don’t find you the perfect match or have nothing available for the immediate future that matches your skillset, it’s a good idea to maintain contact with a recruiter for future consideration. Establish connections and check-in every so often in order to maintain a good rapport. Even if you’re not looking for a job at the moment, it’s still a good idea to network with recruiters on LinkedIn or at professional networking events.
Because the recruitment process can take time and energy, it’s important to have patience and be mindful of the many layers involved with working with someone who can place you in the right role. Perseverance and diligence is key, and rest assured that your recruiter/advocate will tactfully keep the ball moving on your behalf. Establish those connections, don’t be afraid to reach out if needed, and remember that your recruiter is human and has your best interests at heart.