From: dbucklin@sdf.org
Date: 2017-12-17
Subject: Working with Recruiters

Recruiters can expose job seekers to a large pool of job opportuni-
ties. As companies shift from hiring full-time employees to  hiring
contractors,   there   are  more  opportunities  available  through
staffing firms and consultancies. I've been working with recruiters
for  almost  a  year and I've learned a few things I'd like to pass
on.

It's a numbers game.

Recruiters have a long list of contacts and you should do the same.
I  have  about  25 recruiters in my address book and I could easily
work with 25 more. Have a good way to track the opportunities  that
each recruiter is working on. I use a home-grown CRM to record sum-
maries of my conversations.

Be proactive.

Help them help you by checking in periodically.   If  they  have  a
website that lists jobs, take a look at the list on a regular basis
(maybe every other week) and send a note to your recruiter with any
new  jobs  that  look like a fit for you. Include an explanation of
why you think it looks like a fit. This helps the recruiter develop
a  sense of your skills and interests.  Remember that a lot of jobs
never get listed, or are effectively listed after the  position  is
filled.  Help  them keep you in mind when they hear about other op-
portunities.

Be responsive.

You will get the best results when you respond immediately.  Remem-
ber that you are competing against other candidates for each oppor-
tunity; beat your competition to the punch. Also, be specific about
your  availability.  If  someone expresses interest in setting up a
call or a meeting, give specific times when you  are  available  --
even  if you are available all day, give them something specific to
work with.

Be prepared.

Have an up-to-date resume and references at the ready. I have  this
information  stored  locally  on my phone so that I can send it off
quickly. Preparedness extends to the interview, as well. You may be
at  the interview to represent yourself, but you also represent the
recruiter that brought you in. Make sure they  don't  regret  their
decision.

Get to know your recruiter.

What  kind  of agency do they work for? What kinds of firms do they
work with? Understanding this will help you  position  your  skills
and experience for potential opportunities.

Finally,  and  this  should  go without saying, be nice. Recruiters
have no control over the decisions of employers -- don't risk  your
relationship  with a recruiter just because one opportunity doesn't
go your way. There will be other opportunities in the future.

Keys to Remember

1. Be proactive. Recruiters don't work for you, but they can expose
you to a large pool of opportunities; help them help you.
2.  Be responsive. Respond promptly and be clear and specific about
your availability for meetings/phone calls/interviews.
3. Be prepared. Have an up-to-date resume and references  ready  to
send.