How To Be A Great Candidate

Working with a recruiter is a key part of a complete job search. Recruiters can educate you on what the local landscape looks like for your skill set, guide you in your search process and market you to key hiring authorities you might not otherwise have access too. However, they need your help to ensure that the opportunities they market you for are a good fit for your ability, the type of position you want and the environment and culture you want to work in.
 
Here are some ways to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from working with a recruiter:
 
Start with a good resume
Yes, a recruiter can help position and polish your resume, but resume writing from scratch or rewriting a poorly done resume is not their specialty or time well spent.  Spend some time making sure your resume covers your skills and accomplishments and represents you well. Use the most common terminology, rather than company-specific jargon, so your resume can be identified in a search. Starting with a good resume allows the recruiter, and the technology systems they use, to help match you with best positions and employers more quickly.  
 
Don’t miss-represent yourself
Always disclose to your recruiter any aspects of your work history that might generate concern from prospective employers. If you are apprehensive about your lack of experience in a certain area, make clear the accomplishments you do have and what you can offer. Stretching your experience to appear as though it’s longer than it is, or otherwise over embellishing your accomplishments, will often become clear when a recruiter is interviewing you, and will make them hesitant to send you on to their client. Should an embellishment come to light when you are in front of a hiring manager, or during a company’s background check, it will reflect poorly on you and the recruiter, which is nearly a guarantee they won’t be representing you in the future.
 
Be clear in your communication
Make sure that you are very clear and honest with your recruiter about your background, experience and career goals.  Even before you meet with a recruiter for the first time, think about what your true salary requirements are, the type and size of company you like working for and your commute tolerance. The information you provide your recruiter is what they will use to match you with the opportunities you fit best. It gives them confidence that when they call you with an opportunity you’re likely going to be interested.
 
Also, communicate clearly after each interview that your recruiter schedules for you. Let them know how the interview went and any insight you received. Your feedback will help the recruiter provide any necessary coaching and possibly help position you for a second or final interview. As your relationship progresses, be sure to communicate any changes in your career or availability.
 
Don’t cross-submit
Recruiters are able to bring to your attention many positions that you might not have otherwise had access to or been aware of. When a recruiter calls you about a position they are working on, be honest if you’ve already sent your information directly to the company or if another recruiter has has approached you with the opportunity.  
 
If you're actively applying and interviewing for other positions, then be organized in your search.  It’s important to track the companies and positions you’ve applied for and the dates, including conversations with recruiters and the positions they have presented to you.
 
Following these simple rules will enhance the experience you have working with a recruiter, and improve the chances that they can match you with an opportunity that is the right fit.