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Tips
for Working with Recruiters
- BE HONEST.
- Buy an
answering machine if you don't already own one. Use a brief, formal
message on the machine. Remember, a prospective employer may be calling.
Use a message that won't embarrass you. Alert everyone in your household
of your search and the need for their cooperation, courtesy and accurate
message taking.
- Explain
reasons for all job changes to your recruiter. Don't call a recruiter
just to "test the waters" or "see what's out there'. He/she is under
the impression that you are serious about finding a new position.
- Tell your
recruiter your exact income. Breakout into base salary, shift differentail,
bonus, commission, etc. and give last year's W-2 gross. If there is
a question, the recruiter or client company can always ask for a W2.
- Explain
any situations to your recruiter that may warrant problems with relocation,
such as jobs for your spouse, special schools for your children, allergies,
etc. Remember: The more open you are to relocation, the better your
chances will be in finding a position.
- Inform
your recruiter of any outside job activities such as telephone interviews,
personal interviews, job offers, etc. By doing so, your recruiter is
able to obtain offers more quickly, and in general, appear more informed
to their clients and affiliates about your situation.
- Be truthful
with your recruiter. Many recruiters network their applicants, so inconsistencies
will be obvious.
- Don't
talk to a recruiter unless you have discussed a job search and relocation
preferences with your spouse or significant other.
- Limit
yourself to working with a few recruiters, and make sure they have expertise
in your area.
- Identify
yourself by your full name when you call to speak with the recruiter.
Recruiters work with thousands of applicants and may not know who you
are if you just say, "This is John."
- Notify
your recruiter if you move or change telephone numbers. Even though
you may not be interested in a new position today, you may still want
to receive mailings or phone calls about opportunities in the future.
- Don't
ever accept a job offer and later turn it down. Some recruiters will
not work with an applicant again if this happens. They may also network
your name to other recruiters or clients and inform them of your improper
business practices. If your situation changed radically and you can't
report to work as agreed, notify your new employer and recruiter IMMEDIATELY.
Not showing on your start date or calling your new employer on your
start date (instead of earlier) is discourteous and considered reprehensible
(in there with stealing and lying) by employers and recruiters. Remember
that word of your behavior often travels.
- Don't
agree to a personal interview if you know before hand that you will
definitely not accept an offer with the company.
- Be positive
and patient. Good things take time.
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