5 Tips for Helping Recruiters Help You

Recruiters account for between 15% and 20% of the job placements that are made.  The more you know about how to work with them, the more success you’ll have.  Here are 5 tips for helping them help you. 

Tip #1 – Understand that recruiters are not career counselors.  It’s amazing to me that many job seekers seem to believe that a recruiter will help them prepare a resume and find them a job.  Remember these words:  “Follow the money.”  Recruiters work for employers, not you, and only get paid when the right candidate is found.  That right candidate may or may not be you.  If you are fortunate to be on a recruiter’s short list of finalists, she or he is likely to help you prepare for the interview with the hiring manager. 

Tip #2 - Lay a solid foundation before you launch your job search.  This means creating a keyword rich resume, getting visibility in search engines and in social media/social networks.  I discuss this in some detail in my blog posting, Your 6-Month Digital Makeover, Part 1 and Part 2.  Increasingly, recruiters Google you and check LinkedIn.  If you have no presence in online media, or worse, they find negative information about you, you won’t make the short list.  Also, line up your references.  Better yet, secure recommendations on LinkedIn from people who know your work.

Tip #3 – Be open to considering contract, contingent and project assignments.  I realize that your goal is to get a so-called regular or ”permanent” position but one of the trends emerging in the new world of work and the recession is the growth in the number of jobs that are on-demand arrangements.  With the stakes raised for every hiring decision, many employers are inclined to manage their risk through contract, contingent or project staffing.  If things don’t work out with the new hire, a business downturn occurs or a project ends, it’s easier for the employer to disengage.  Remember, too, that contract, contingent or project assignments can help you audition for opportunities to become part of a regular workforce.  Your flexibility and willingness to consider these assignments will expand number of number of employment opportunities available to you and make you more appealing to recruiters and employers alike.

Tip #4 - Be timely in responding to requests for additional information.  If a recruiter wants more data about your qualifications or expected salary, etc., respond immediately.  Understand that she or he is trying to quickly match you to a job or jobs and a delay in providing necessary information could keep you off the short list.

Tip #5 -  Increase your visibility in professional groups.  Recruiters are always on the prowl for promising candidates (and connections with employers).  They join groups and attend their meetings.  For example, if you’re a project manager, join PMI (Project Management Institute).  If you’re an HR professional, manager or executive, join SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).  Become active in your local chapter.  In doing so, you’ll give a boost to your visibility send a clear message that you are professionally engaged and a potentially attractive candidate. 

These 5 tips for helping recruiters help you should increase your job search effectiveness.  Following them will pay dividends beyond immediate employment opportunities and contribute to your career’s sustainability.