Is your job search putting you in a rotten mood? Well, chances are the people around you have taken notice; including your recruiter.
We get it. You try to stay positive. After submitting your resume for the umpteenth time with the same radio silent response, you're starting to grow pretty darn frustrated. And you followed all of the rules: optimized your LinkedIn profile, refreshed your cover letter, and triple checked your resume. Still nothing.
Looking to up your competitive edge in the job market? Explore additional career resources here.
How to Win the Heart of Your Recruiter
You even go as far as to call on a professional recruiter to help you on your quest. But when recruiters start going dark, you might have a bigger problem at hand.
Recruiters are in the industry of connecting the best people to the best job. If you've cycled through recruiters faster than wings on game day, it's time to take a step back. Here are four areas recruiters look at when working with a new candidate.
Attitude Problem
A positive attitude goes a long way; especially when you are working with people who are frustrated by their current employment position. As a job seeker, that's no reason to throw in the towel when it comes to maintaining a positive attitude and exhibiting good manners.
The candidates that stand out the most are typically those that come across as “go-getters”. This indicates to a recruiter that they have a real passion for the position that they are applying for, and will be easy to work with as we move them down the process.
A Little Follow Up Goes a Long Way
It's not uncommon for candidates to expect that their recruiters will follow up with them throughout the job apply process. But, what's not as well-known is that is a two-way communication channel.
When a candidate follows up at the early stages of the process, it's a strong indicator that they are really interested in the position. As time goes on, the candidate and the recruiter should continue to follow up with one another. How did the candidate feel the interview went? What tips can the recruiter provide with regards to next steps? By doing so it ensures both parties share the same knowledge
The Right Stuff
Like most professions, the life of a recruiter is all about juggling projects, deadlines and people. Recruiters are passionate and determined to find the right fit. We are always up for the challenge; thus coining the name “Head Hunters.” And, there's a saying unique to the field of recruiting: finding the purple squirrel. Its meaning is most comparable to that of finding a needle in a haystack.
When working with a recruiter, keep in mind it's their job to present the best candidate for the position. Be sure to show off your talents and unique personality from the beginning. Like any relationship, be honest and forthcoming with information; no one likes to be caught off guard.
It's a Win-Win Relationship
Another misconception is that recruiters are just in it for the placement (aka the money). Listen, we are all motivated by our salaries to an extent, but more importantly, we want to be good at our job. In order to do that, recruiters have to create a reputation of placing the right people at the right job (and having them stay!).
We love a happy ending; especially when the star-crossed lovers are our latest placement and their new company. In fact, I remember a story about a candidate I had placed who called me five months after being into their new role. He called to thank me, and said he would always be grateful to me for what I did for him. This is exactly what makes our job the best job in the world.
Have you or are you currently working with a recruiter? What makes the relationship tick? Share your insights with us in the comments section.
