Executive recruiters are professional matchmakers representing candidates throughout the hiring process, from phone screening to negotiating a job offer. While employers have to say the final answer about who they are hiring, recruiters can advocate for them at every step of the process, influencing the hiring decision.
Whether you are an active job seeker or a seasoned employee open to considering new opportunities, we have learned how to maintain a successful relationship with a recruiter based on our search firm experience.
Tips for Working with Executive Recruiters
- Understand a recruiter’s specialties before contacting them.
If a job seeker wants to introduce themselves to a recruiter, they should research their organization to verify that they are the best contact for their needs. Each search firm is unique and may not specialize in the verticals a job seeker is looking for. To maximize efforts, a candidate should focus on forming professional relationships with recruiters who align with the targeted industry or field to increase the chance of being represented.
- Ensure that you possess the necessary qualities to grab a recruiter’s attention.
Executive recruiters are present in the best online job search websites to find and attract top performers that employers may need more time or resources to locate independently. Consider if you possess the necessary qualities to be placed on a candidate roster. Make sure to complete your assignments and have a well-defined career path so the recruiter understands your goals and the positions you are suitable for and interested in.
- Always tell the truth.
Do not exaggerate or lie about job experience, education, income, or anything else. Being untruthful will eventually be revealed and can result in losing the job and your relationships with the recruiter and employer.
- Offer assistance.
Make an effort to assist the recruiter and exit promptly if you are not completely interested. If you are not eligible, you can still offer your assistance. Make sure to attend your scheduled meetings, call back, and collaborate. Don’t act unapproachable. Recruiters will pass on candidates who are challenging and will note any issues for future consideration.
- Improve your list of goals.
Focus your campaign solely on recruiters with expertise in placing candidates within your industry or functional experience. Sending your resume to a recruiter outside your field is not a productive use of time. Restrict the number of follow-up calls. Recruiters will contact you when there is a need to make a call. Remember that they often rely on their clients’ schedules and will only contact you after receiving updates to share with you.
- You might not receive a response when cold-calling a search firm or sending an unsolicited resume.
If your resume arrives with the recruiter while they are busy selling business, conducting searches on the best job search sites, or finalizing offers for current candidates, it is unlikely that you will receive a response. Your resume might be saved in their company database for later use (you should receive an automated acknowledgment), but expect them to wait to call. Don’t hesitate to check in periodically, maybe every two to three months, particularly with any changes in your professional status.
Conclusion
Collaborating with the best online job search websites can bring many benefits regardless of job situation. Although stable, executives may encounter new and improved opportunities that could significantly impact their careers or life. Therefore, when collaborating closely with a headhunter, heed these suggestions to establish a beneficial and enduring relationship.
