The relationship between an executive recruiter and a candidate can be a mutually beneficial professional relationship that, more often than not, can benefit you repeatedly throughout your career. The key to building a long-standing and effective partnership with your recruiter is to build a strong communication link with him/her and build upon that foundation with honesty and integrity. A few tips can help to guide you with effectively partnering with your recruiter:
1. Honest communication is the key to an effective recruiter-candidate partnership. Always return calls from your recruiter as soon as possible and remember to answer any question that your recruiter asks completely and honestly. You availability and ability to provide information to your recruiter is imperative.
2. Ask questions if you have them. Your recruiter can be a wealth of information. If you have questions about the position, the company, the interview process, or anything else, just ask. If your recruiter doesn’t know the answer, they will likely find the answer and get back to you promptly.
3.Help your recruiter as they have helped you. Your recruiter may call you to network with you regarding other positions they are working on. Be open to providing referrals to your recruiter in order to help them identify and contact individuals who may be great candidates for other positions.
4.Be prepared. Your recruiter will often send you a great deal of information to study prior to going on an interview. They will also call you to “prep” you and to give you insights into the company and, often, tips on each individual you will be meeting with. This insight gives you a big advantage over others who may be interviewing for the same job, so when your recruiter gives you materials to read, read them.
5.Call your recruiter immediately after an interview to provide detailed feedback. Be as honest and thorough as possible when providing a recap of your interview.
Be 100% honest about your interest level in the position for which you are being recruited. If you have doubts, tell your recruiter that you have doubts. Discuss any issues you may have and, often, your recruiter can assist you with those issues and can help you determine if this is or isn’t the right position for you.
6. Recommend your recruiter as a resource for your company. Tell your HR Department that you would like to use your recruiter to fill any opening you have in your department. Let your recruiter help you by filling positions in your company. Also, recommend them to others who may be able to benefit from the use of a quality executive recruiter.
7. Always listen to what your recruiter has to say. If they call about a position you aren’t interested in, see if you might know someone who may be a great candidate for the opportunity they have available.
