If you’ve made it clear you’re open to work — beware, you’re about to get inundated with messages from recruiters. 

And if you’re hoping to score a new job fast, it’s tempting to engage with each one. 

But not all recruiters provide the same value, and even the best recruiters can’t help much if you’re not prepared. 

Keep reading to learn what to look for in a recruiter and how to build a fruitful relationship. 

4 Ways to Maximize Your Relationship With a Recruiter  

1. Be Selective  

You don’t have to reply to everyone. 

First, look for recruiters with a track record of placing people in your industry. You should feel confident in their skillset and abilities. 

Next, make sure you can establish a good rapport with them and feel comfortable sharing your wants and needs. Trust your gut on this one. 

And finally, great recruiters will be willing to take the time to get to know you and put your interests first. They will be respectful of your time by communicating clearly and quickly and act like a true partner in your job search. 

2. Know What You Want 

While it’s good to have an open mind when going into a job search, it’s really hard for a recruiter to pitch someone who is open to anything. 

So make it a little easier on your recruiter and do some research ahead of time. Come to calls with several different types of roles in mind and know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Know if you want to be client-facing or prefer to work independently in a back office. Know whether remote work is a non-negotiable. The more information you can provide, the more recruiters can help you find similar jobs matching your interests and abilities. 

3. Be Proactive 

Recruiters can be your gateway to your next job, but this, of course, is a two-way street. 

You need to put in the work to create and format your resume and update your LinkedIn. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes and have your peers or family members review it to ensure it’s clear and compelling. Bonus points for fitting in some interview practice before your first contact with a recruiter. 

Having a solid baseline gives recruiters a jumping-off point for taking your materials and interviewing style to the next level. With the foundation already there, they can give expert pointers for tailoring your resume and presenting yourself and your accomplishments in the best light. 

4. Be Transparent  

Transparency is a huge factor in the recruiter-candidate relationship. 

Sometimes candidates are afraid to be honest about other jobs they’re applying or interviewing for. But keeping that close to the chest puts your recruiter in a tough spot. Be as open as possible about your job search activity, and be honest about your interest in roles that recruiters send your way.  

It’s much better to say no upfront than to get a few steps into the interview cycle and pull out of the process. Recruiters are working with your interests in mind, but they also have a duty to serve their clients. Withdrawing your candidacy mid-way through reflects poorly on you and the recruiter — and you don’t want to burn any bridges. Remember, agreeing to being submitted for a job is agreeing to take an interview. 

And if you accept an offer, notify your recruiter right away to close the loop. 

Land Your Next Gig With Confidence 

Recruiters can be an incredible resource and a fantastic way to get your foot in the door. But you want to work with the ones you know have your best interests at heart. 

Planet Professional recruiters like me have years of experience under their belt networking with hiring managers and understanding the corporate talent acquisition process inside and out. We work closely with candidates to identify their needs and qualifications and pride ourselves on placing them at their dream companies. 

So, if you’re struggling to find your next role, shoot me an email. And if you’re looking for a staffing firm that will get you the best talent, reach out to Planet Professional today. 

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