While on the job hunt, you may enlist the assistance of a recruiter to boost your chances of getting hired. These companies are ultimately the link between the job seeker and employer to help find the most suitable candidate for the role. Building a good relationship with your recruiter can take effort on your part, but will certainly pay off once the interviews start to roll in. Here are a few dos and don’ts to be aware of when it comes to working with recruiters:
Do respond to calls and emails
Once you have registered with a recruitment firm, you may be contacted frequently when a suitable job comes up. This essentially means that they believe you are suitable for the position and have a good chance of being hired by the company. However, there are likely to be several other candidates with the same education, experiences and skillsets as you, so try and respond as quickly as possible when they make contact. It would also be in your best interests to offer feedback to your recruiter on the type of roles you do and don’t like to help smooth out the hiring process.
Don’t feel pressured
Just because you have signed up to a recruitment agency doesn’t mean you have to accept every interview that is sent your way. You’re the one in control and are free to decline if it isn’t quite right. Just because you may have turned down one or more job roles doesn’t mean you won’t get opportunities again. The opportunities will continue to flood through – providing you’re happy to have this regular communication with the agency. Even when you have had your first interview, take the time to weigh up the pros and cons of the role to determine whether it is a good fit for you. You always have the option to say no! However try not to come off as too picky as they may not put you forward for another role. Plus, you may be pleasantly surprised at the interview if you were previously a little unsure and if it isn't the right fit for you, at least you went and got great practice!
Do remain professional
While you may have a good relationship with your recruitment agency, it’s important to remain professional at all times. Recruiters are connected with potential employers and ultimately have control over your career prospects, so don’t let yourself down in any way. You should consider your recruiter as your ‘boss’ as they’re ultimately acting as the catapult to getting you on your future career path. On the other hand, keep your cool if there is a complaint to make. If you are disappointed in the service, send a polite email or phone up the agency clearly and calmly so you don’t give off the wrong impression.
Do question about the role
You are within your rights to ask about a job role before you’re put forward for the interview – so don’t be embarrassed about checking the hours, salary and employee benefits. It’s normal to have questions to know whether it is the right job for you and recruiters are often well-informed about the position before contact is made, so you should get all the answers you need.
If you have never used a recruiter before, we hope this blog has given you some useful tips to take on board to help you get the job you deserve.
