How to Build a Good Relationship With Your Recruiter
With the many ups and downs, meet-and-greets, and makeup-to-breakups that occur in the recruiting world, one could almost liken the relationships that recruiters, candidates and clients build with one another like an everlasting dating cycle. Scouring networking events and sifting through countless resumes to find a perfect match is almost comparable to swiping right, and the angst that often comes along with the recruiter introducing the candidate to a client can almost be likened to taking a mate to meet the parents for the first time. Nonetheless, here are a few things that can be done on the candidate side to build a good relationship with your recruiter where both parties benefit in the long run.
Be Honest and Upfront From the Beginning
No one enjoys secrets, lies and cover-ups, and it’s even more essential to take a forthright approach when conversing with your recruiter. As an advocate to help you secure a prodigious role, being honest is key to the process. Are you working with other recruiters or interviewing for other roles? Are you expecting any offers? What are your TRUE salary requirements? Are you TRULY excited about the role being pitched? These are just some of the questions that recruiters would prefer their candidates be honest about upfront. Transparency is essential for both parties in this type of professional relationship, and without it, it makes it harder for the relationship to evolve fluidly.
Communication is Key
One of the biggest downfalls of almost any relationship is lack of good communication. No one likes to be kept in the dark or feel like communication is one-sided. Along with honesty, communication is another crucial entity that should be utilized in all recruiter-candidate relationships. Set expectations upfront for when and how you will contact one another. Be upfront about your thoughts on a particular role and don’t feel inclined to allow your recruiter to submit you for consideration just because it was pitched to you. Be vocal about your needs and desires so that your recruiter can find the perfect match for you.
Don’t Ghost Your Recruiter
Just like real-life relationships, sometimes people get cold feet during the recruiting process and feel like they need to take a step back. Maybe things are moving too quickly and you’re not prepared to interview with just under 24-hour’s notice of a client being pitched your resumé and credentials. Or maybe you’re having second thoughts about leaving your current role and starting to think twice about your next move. Although the process can be overwhelming at times, the worst thing you can possibly do is flake on your recruiter. Whether it’s not showing up to the big interview or suddenly stop responding to their calls and emails, cutting off contact with your recruiter—especially during pivotal moments—is one of the worst things that you can do and can make this kind of relationship irreparable.
Show Your Appreciation Through Reciprocity
Your recruiter helped you to land your dream job, so now what? Sometimes candidates completely forget to show their appreciation for their recruiter’s efforts, making them feel unappreciated or undervalued. There are small gestures that can make a big impact in showing your appreciation. Referrals are some of the best ways to show your recruiter that you are thinking of them. Whether it be introducing them to a very talented professional who may fit the mold for one of their current roles, or even making them privy to a company that is looking to recruit new talent, these two simple actions are sure to mean a lot to your recruiter and help to strengthen your relationship.
Know When To Seek Out Additional Resources
Sometimes, things just aren’t working out to your advantage. Maybe your recruiter isn’t being as responsive as you need them to be even after communicating how important this is for you.
Maybe you don’t feel like your recruiter is supporting your efforts wholeheartedly and would prefer to take your talents elsewhere. If you feel nothing more can be done and all efforts have been exhausted then seeking out additional help may be your best/next move. Just like any relationship, not all business relationships work out or are built to last. No matter the circumstance, be sure to make the decision that’s best for you.