Sophie Malyon Talent Partner, explores her thoughts and findings on how to best work with a Recruiter!
I will not deny it, working in the recruitment world for over 8 years and having also been on the other side of the fence looking for opportunities, some recruiters can be viewed by many as just ‘sales agents’. Before becoming a recruiter, I had my fair share of bad recruitment experiences too! Yes, I was ghosted, my CV was ignored, and I was pushed into applying for positions that definitely were not right for me!
However, I also don’t want to pigeonhole recruiters into one category as firstly I am one and have been lucky enough to work with some amazing recruiters. Recruiters can help open the door to your dream company and role and are able to coach you through your interview process, help you navigate through challenges and beyond…which can be extremely valuable to you during your job search.
Below are the benefits to working effectively and transparently with a recruiter:
Interview Us: Working with a recruiter is a two-way relationship, you need to feel confident in our abilities and put trust in us as we do you. We appreciate you are divulging a lot of information about yourself, and we are happy to answer questions you may have on our background and our industry knowledge. Take the time to interview us, ask us questions, this is the value of a transparent relationship that benefits all…including a potential company you are interested in, the more we know about each other, the better we can support and communicate your experiences that just don’t come to light on a CV alone.
Access to hidden job market: Recruiters often have access to exclusive job openings that are not publicly advertised. This might seem like a lack of transparency, but there are situations where we are engaged in confidential searches at the specific request of our clients. These searches are often due to strategic reasons. A good recruiter will explain this process and ensure you are fully informed and comfortable before you decide to share your CV.
Expert guidance: We can provide valuable career advice and interview preparation. This can be at the start of your job search and be as simple as CV formatting to preparing you for an interview with a client we have worked with for many years. In various scenarios, we offer tailored support at no cost. So, take advantage of our expertise and let us help you succeed.
Timesaving: Recruiters streamline the job search process by handling initial screening and scheduling. We can come to you with roles relevant to your career goals and motivations. This is the benefit of using us.
Keep your CV up to date: Additionally, recruiters will want to see your CV. Be proactive and keep it up to date, showcasing your key skills and achievements. This ensures there is no delay when submitting applications. Often, clients work with multiple recruiters and have specific deadlines for CV submissions. To avoid missing opportunities, have your CV ready for the recruiter you trust. Make sure it’s polished and prepared so you don’t miss out due to delays in updating your CV.
Be Open: Let us know your goals and career aspirations. Understanding your dream role or the company you would love to work with helps us target and approach relevant positions for you, ensuring you don’t miss out on opportunities. Don’t hesitate to explain any gaps in your CV; addressing these proactively allows us to discuss them positively with clients during submission. And if you’re no longer interested in a role or have already applied to a position the recruiter mentions, let them know. This ensures the process remains streamlined and productive.
Track your submissions: Maintaining a list of your job applications is crucial, especially if you are working with multiple recruiters. This practice helps avoid potential duplications, which can lead to rejections by the end client. Always follow up if you don’t hear back; reach out to the recruiter. Not receiving a response is frustrating and is not acceptable practice. Being proactive in managing your job search not only keeps you organised but also ensures that you remain in control of your career trajectory
The list of benefits and potential drawbacks to working with a recruiter is extensive. However, I hope this gives you the confidence to engage with a recruiter and find someone who aligns with your goals and supports you effectively in your job search. Having a recruiter who understands your aspirations and career objectives can significantly enhance your job search experience and lead to more successful outcomes.
