On the fifth 'Day of Kforce',
From our staffing company,
Five Ways to Work with your Recruiter.
Recruiters face several different obligations on any given day. It is important for job seekers to remember that while they may be working with one recruiter, that same recruiter is almost certainly working with numerous job candidates. On a single day, they may look at several resumes and call a myriad of candidates. Crystal Irving, a Kforce recruiter, lists the five things that you can do to help your recruiter help you!
1. List specific and quantifiable information and experience on your resume that you can speak to
Your resume is a chance for you to make a first impression – it may open the door for you to further interact with a hiring manager. If there is something listed on your resume, it is fair game for a recruiter or employer to ask about.
One of the worst things you can do is list a specific technology or skill that you aren’t 100 percent familiar with. If asked, you should be prepared to explain any piece of experience, certification or training in detail. Even the smallest resume exaggeration may make the hiring manager wonder what else is an exaggeration. The last thing you want to do is create doubt in their mind!
2. Treat any interaction with your recruiter as a job interview
When recruiters speak to candidates, one of the main things that they look for is whether or not they will represent their company well. If you are going into an office to meet with a recruiter, you should dress professionally. If you are speaking to them on the phone, communicate professionally. These interactions can all be mini interviews! Recruiters speak to several candidates for the same position and want to ensure that the candidate will represent both themselves and their recruiter in a professional manner.
3. Give detailed and thorough responses to questions
The more detail that you give in response to questions, the better! Whether it is about your experience or what you are looking for in new opportunities, this can only help your recruiter get to know you better. If you don’t think the position you are contacted about is the best fit for you, be honest. Give a thorough explanation of why, they may know of a different position that is better aligned with your skills and future career goals.
4. Be honest about your motivators whether it be money, commute or length of contract
Kforce's goal is to deliver “the right match” to both candidates and clients – we want both parties to be happy! However, that can’t be done if you’re not upfront. Let your recruiter know what is a deal-breaker and where you are willing to compromise, they will do their best to find a match in line with an employer’s requests.
5. Don’t be overly-aggressive when contacting/following-up
It is always a great idea to follow-up with your recruiter a day or so after your interview with an email or phone call… but please don’t call eight times in a row. One call or email is proactive; seven others may only discount your initial contact. Allow your recruiter time to sift through resumes and interview candidates and understand that they will do their best to provide feedback in a timely manner.
At the end of the day, working with your recruiter should be a mutual relationship. Understand that while they may be helping you in your job search, they also are working with other candidates and clients. By using the tips above from Crystal, you may help keep yourself in the forefront of your recruiter's mind!
Stay tuned for Day 6!
Previous Articles:
FOUR Must-Join LinkedIn Groups
THREE Cover Letter Clues
TWO Interview Follow-up Tips
The ONE Thing Employers Want to See