Steps to partnering with a recruiter

July 27, 2021

For example, there is little point in talking to an engineering recruitment specialist about securing a software or data role. Sometimes, the best way to identify recruiters who are active in your market is to browse their website and advertised vacancies. If an agency is regularly advertising positions, you might be interested in, it could be worth giving them a call to make contact, sending an email through their contact page, or connecting with them on LinkedIn.

At TEKsystems people are the foundation of all we do. With a strong belief in the value of each individual and the power of teamwork, our mission is to help our candidates transform their future by connecting them with organisations who will support their goals. We place professionals across the following disciplines: Digital Experience, DevOps and Automation, Data Analytics and Insights, Cloud Enablement, Risk and Security, Modern Enterprise Management and Enterprise Applications.

Build a select network

No one person has every network or professional contact, so it is worth meeting a number of specialist consultants in your area to cover all bases. However, whilst you should build relationships with the recruiters who are actively working in your specialisation, there is little point in meeting with everyone who answers the phone. It is hard enough keeping up with multiple job applications, so rather than registering with every agency, spend time with relevant consultants who are interested in providing you with the most relevant advice for your search. It is especially important that you remain in control of your CV and know who is representing you and where, every time.

Why work with a recruiter? Professional recruitment consultants are experts in matching great people to great roles. As a result, recruitment consultants are an invaluable source of information about the market – who is hiring, when are they hiring and what are they looking for? Recruiters can provide advice on how to approach your preferred organisations, CV and interview tips and even provide proactive recommendations in areas that might not have occurred to you. A good recruiter will also take their recruiter's hat off and play the role of objective career advisor too – they can assist you with weighing up the pros and cons of different career paths. If you want the best out of your tax return you go to a professional accountant; to get the best out of your job search, you should consult a recruitment expert.

TEKsystems is your career advocate and as such, we meet with you to discuss individual skills, goals and interests. By taking the time to develop a deep understanding of your skills, motivations and prior experience, we only connect you with relevant job opportunities.

Be professional

When you attend your recruiter interview, it is important you present as if you were going to a top job interview as this is indicative of how you will represent yourself with their clients. The better your agency interview, the more compelled your consultant will be to represent you on new opportunities. Be on time and prepared to discuss your experience in detail.

Be honest and clear

Your recruiter is meeting with you to clearly understand and define your goals and aspirations in order to a) help source your next opportunity, and b) provide you with advice, recommendations and referrals that will assist you in your search. It is important that you provide your recruiter with genuine information about what you do and don't want and openly discuss your motivations and career history. During your search, there's a possibility that your criteria might change. For example, you may have more flexibility on total remuneration or be happy to consider a 2IC role after only considering "Head of" roles. You may consider other geographies or be open to industries that were initially not of interest. Be sure to communicate these considerations honestly with your recruiter.

Set communication rules

A good recruiter may meet and assist 10-20 potential candidates per week, all of whom have different requirements. Therefore, it is important to set communication expectations and agree on the best way to work together moving forward. To avoid feeling like your calls are not being returned or that you have slipped through the cracks, agree on timeframes and methods to touch base. It might be a call only when a great potential opportunity comes up, or an email check-in every fortnight. Discuss what works for you both.

Top tips

• Do send your CV in Word format and not as a PDF to ensure your name appears in all recruiter database search results.
• Do build a network of recruitment professionals and stay in contact.
• Do think of a list of organisations you would love to work for and ask your recruiter for advice on targeting these.
• Do ask questions. Your recruiter is a professional advisor and can offer helpful information or insight in areas you are uncertain.
• Don't give consent to have your details 'floated' to organisations without specific consent.

By building relevant contacts, understanding mutual goals, and setting the ground rules with a recruitment agency, you can enhance your career journey and ultimately secure your next position. As an added benefit, once you're in your new role your recruiter can help you hire talent for your new team. They know you, your team and the company, so they are more likely to be able to find a good fit. In the event your preferred recruiter isn't fortunate enough to secure a role for you, make sure you stay in contact. A good recruiter will be there for you as your career progresses – for the long term.