How to Work With a Recruiter and Build a Lasting Relationship

How to Work With a Recruiter and Build a Lasting RelationshipChances are, at some point in your career, youre going to need a recruiter. Its best leid to attack them out of the blue when youre at your most desperate. Instead, try to keep in mind that recruiters are human beings too. Try building a relationship that way, rather than being a job-sucking vampire. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Also keep in mind there are different kinds of recruiters. Figure out first if youre dealing with someone salaried who does this all day every day, or whether youre dealing with someone who works only on commission. Tailor your needs to match theirs, and vice versa.Here is your 10-step plan to building a good relationship with a recruiter.1. Start with the talkYour recruiter should open your working relationship by asking you a bunch of questions who you are, where you are, what youve been doing, your strengths, your weaknesses, your goals, etc. The mora they know about you, the better they can help put you in a good lokalittboth for you and for the company.2. Know thyselfDont recruit a recruiter if you dont already know what you want and need. Figure out what you want to do and be when you grow up before you start soliciting the services of a professional. Make sure that every job they put you up for is one youd be glad to take.3.Have all your documents readyGet your ducks in a row before making the call. Up-to-date resume, updated LinkedIn profile, a tasteful and professional headshot, a website, samples of your work, etc. And then go in with the list of companies or titles youd like to aim for.4. Dont be needyYoure not in a position to make demands. The recruiter is not working for you. Hopefully youll both come to a mutually advantageous outcome, but your chances of this go down the more you play the diva. Know your place in the food chain, make life easy on your recruiter, and things will turn out right.5. Ask for tipsIf y our recruiter knows a company well, feel free to ask for tips before you interview. There might be some very valuable information to be gleaned that you couldnt get from the usual pre-interview research session.6. Think about your salary historyYou arent required to share this with your recruiter. But they can (and should) ask. And it might be useful for you both to be on the same page when it comes time to figuring out which applications fit you best.7.Know the ins and outs of industry salaryIf you want to go for a pay increase, make sure youve done your homework and know exactly what the range is for your position or your field. If youre really being underpaid, you can walk into a meeting with stats.8. Dont be a pushoverSome recruiters do work entirely on commission. If they dont place people that month, they dont pay rent. Dont let yourself get shoe-horned into a position that isnt right for you just to please your recruiter. It is okay to say no and push for something more appro priate.9. Hold onto the good onesA good recruiter, with whom you have a fruitful working relationship, is a thing of beauty. Hold onto this relationship with both hands. Trust and goodwill are not to be taken for granted. And they arent always the norm.10. Give backIf you get the job, make sure to thank your recruiter. A thank you card goes a long way towards showing your appreciation and bolstering good will all around. And keep in touch You never know when you might need your recruiters services again.