How To Find A Reputable Recruiter
By Kimberly Allison
Using a recruiter as part of your job search is always recommended. They have access to un-posted positions, a deeper understanding of the requirements and personality needed for roles, and can help coach you in your job search. With so many recruiters out there though, how do you choose which recruiter to work with?
In an industry that sometimes has a bad reputation, selecting a reputable recruiter to use in your job search can make all the difference between getting interviews with relevant employers, and having your resume end up as nothing more than a number to pad a recruiter’s database.
You Shouldn’t and Don’t Have to Choose Just One
Working with a recruiter isn’t an exclusive relationship. To give yourself exposure to as many opportunities as possible you should be working with multiple recruiters that do work in your industry. In many situations recruiters work with clients on an exclusive (retained) or semi-exclusive basis, meaning different recruiters will have access to different opportunities.
When dealing with more than one however, it’s important for there to be a level of transparency. Be honest and let them know you’re working with multiple recruiters, and don’t try and play them against each other. Recruiters understand that many job seekers will be working with more than one recruiter, but it’s how you handle those relationships that will make all the difference.
Where to Start
Most recruiters specialize in certain industries – some firms may work in multiple industries but the recruiters within the firm should still have areas of specialization. Start by determining which recruiting firms specialize in the industry you’re interested in. Use Google searches, recruiter directories, or you can even browse online job boards to look for recruiters who have jobs posted. From there, you can call or visit their websites and determine which individual recruiters deal with the types of roles you’d be interested in.
In terms of separating the good from the bad, do some research online and see what other people have to say about various firms. You’ll find in most cases that people’s opinions start to paint a fairly clear picture of how a company generally operates. Ask for referrals from friends – someone you know has likely dealt with a recruiting firm before. Get their opinion and even contact information for the recruiter they dealt with as a referral will generate an ‘in’ for you. Ask lots of questions and look for a person that you feel a level of trust and comfort with.
Red Flags
Because there is little specific legislation around the recruiting industry, you’ll find a wide range of how different recruiters operate and the ethical standards they adhere (or don’t adhere) to.
There are definitely certain things you should look out for in deciding which recruiters to work with – signs or signals that this person might not be operating with your best interests in mind:
- Be cautious of recruiters who try and push you towards certain opportunities that you’re not fully interested in. If they’re really trying to ‘sell’ you on an opportunity, there’s probably a reason.
- Be conscious of recruiters who send your resume to clients without your permission – they should always ask or notify you before doing so.
- Look out for recruiters who proactively contact you and then seem to disappear. This could be a sign that they only wanted your resume to pad their database.
- A recruiter should know their client, the job, and the industry all very well. If they don’t then find another one who does.
- Any recruiter who doesn’t follow up with you and provide feedback after an interview isn’t operating in a professional manner.
- If a recruiter gives you vague answers or avoids any questions you have, it might indicate they’re trying to hide something.
- If a recruiter ever tries to charge you for their services – move on immediately.
Expectations
While it’s important to find a recruiter who operates in a professional, ethical, and respectful manner, it’s also important to ensure you keep realistic expectations. At the end of the day, recruiters work for their clients as the client ultimately pays the bills. Their natural inclination will be to focus their time on activity that works towards completing the searches they’re working on.
Most recruiters would love to call every applicant back and be able to provide coaching or help, but unfortunately there just aren’t enough hours in the day for that to always happen. Once you submit your resume, if a recruiter doesn’t return your call at the onset before you’ve formed a relationship, don’t take it personally – it simply means you’re not a direct fit for a search they’re currently working on.
Always Look Out For Number One
A good recruiter can be an invaluable asset to you in a job search as they offer many great benefits that come at no cost to you. As with any industry, there are good examples, and other not-so-good examples. For this reason it’s important to do your homework and research in choosing a recruiter to work with so as not to waste your time.
The most important thing is to always look out for yourself – no one is ever going to show as much interest or care about your job search as much as you will. If you can match yourself with a good recruiter however where your interests are both aligned, then you can successfully work together to reach that common end goal.
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As Partner, Kimberly Allison works in partnership with some of the brightest minds in the Retail and Consumer Goods industries.
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