There will come a time in your job search when you will have the option of working with a recruiter. Certainly this is something that should be explored, however, it is wise to proceed with caution. As in all professions, there are competent recruiters who will treat you with respect and there are those who will use you as a commodity with little respect for your needs…hence, the term “head hunters”.
Here are some things to keep in mind. There are two kinds of recruiters, contingency and retained. Contingency recruiters are paid a fee by the client company when they place a candidate with that employer. Retained recruiters handle senior level or highly specialized positions and they work on a retainer that they receive from the employer prior to and during the search.
A good recruiter, will respect a candidate’s preferences in addition to the employer’s needs and try to find a good “fit” for both parties. It makes sense to do this since this insures future business as well as a continuing pool of candidates.
When making a decision as to whether to work with a particular recruiter, it is important to identify someone who is well established with a good reputation. Try to find out the “scoop” on the recruiter from people you trust. Networking groups can also be good sources for this kind of information. If at all possible, meet the recruiter you are interested in working with. When you do, make note of how you are treated. Does the recruiter show interest in what you are looking for? Do you feel respected as a person?
The relationship between the candidate and a recruiter differs from the relationship between the candidate and the employer. It is important, for example, to share your salary as well as salary expectations with the recruiter. You can be assured they will work to help you obtain a competitive offer since their fee is based on a percentage of the hiring salary. If you do not trust the recruiter enough to share this information, why would you ever consider working with them?
Finally, remember this, never agree to assume payment of the placement fee under any circumstances. In addition, no recruiter has all the openings (no matter what they tell you). So it is wise to identify a few recruiters in your field of interest. But don’t go overboard. It is best not to have your resume showing up repeatedly for the same opening.
So recruiters can serve as another tool in your job search journey. Screen them carefully. A cautious approach works best and should avoid your being used by someone whose questionable practices can tarnish your professional reputation.
Have you worked with a recruiter who caused problems for you? There is a lot more to know about working with recruiters. Tell me your concerns and I will help you. Norma Sweeny
