Five tips for working with a recruiter during your job search

Want to learn how to leverage a recruiter in your job search? Check out the summary below from “5 Ways to Effectively Work with Recruiters” from Riya Sand, available at AWWA’s Career Center. This website provides free resources about topics ranging from interviews and resumes to networking and salary negotiations.

New employment opportunities oftentimes involve a recruiter. This can be an in-house recruiter employed by the hiring company, or a recruiter from an outside hiring agency. Either way, they can be an excellent resource for a job seeker. Here are five ways to maximize the effectiveness of working with a recruiter.

Be authentic. While it may be flattering to be contacted by a recruiter about a potential job opportunity, be clear from the start whether that opportunity aligns with your career goals. Don’t waste time pursuing a path that doesn’t lead to something you’re truly interested in.

Be responsive. Respond promptly and professionally to calls and emails from a recruiter. They are usually coordinating between multiple executives, hiring managers and job candidates. It is common for a recruiter to reschedule interviews, ask for additional information and even bring in a last-minute candidate for a position. You don’t want to get lost in the shuffle.

Provide feedback. Recruiters deal with lots of information, and it is helpful to keep them up to date on how you’re feeling about a job prospect. Give your recruiter a quick call after an interview to let them know your impressions. If they know you’re excited about a position they can reinforce this to the hiring team.

Remain proactive. Rather than depend on a recruiter to make things happen, don’t forget that you are ultimately responsible for your job search. Reach out to the recruiter if you haven’t heard from them to maintain an effective relationship. 

Focus on your needs. Remember that your career is more important to you than to a recruiter. At the end of the day, their job is to fill a job opening. Don’t let yourself be pressured into accepting a position that isn’t right for you.

More career resources and job opportunities are available at AWWA’s Career Center and at Work for Water.