Career Article 145:
Let the Recruiters Recruit You

By Tamara Dowling, CPRW

Professional employment recruiters can open the door to your next career. First you need to understand their role and how you fit in. Many people misunderstand the recruiter's position and this can lead to a frustrating experience.

Recruiters generally make their living from a commission or retainer fee paid by hiring companies. Don't be mistaken in thinking they are working to find you a job. The hiring company is their top priority. At the same time, they need qualified candidates. The trick is for your résumé to be at the right place at the right time.

Recruiters are extremely fast paced, busy people. The faster they fill a position for their client, the faster they get paid, and the happier their client will be. So, you don't want to waste their time. Here are a few more tips to make the recruiter more inclined to recruit you.

1. Select recruiters who work in your target industry, job level and geographic location.
2. Send your résumé along with an email/cover letter to your target recruiters. Clearly define your career goal. Use the same professional style and tone that you would use when addressing a prospective employer.
3. Don't expect a recruiter to help you edit your résumé or provide career training. You should have everything lined up before you present yourself to them.
4. If you do not hear back from a recruiter it simply means that at this time they do not have a position for which you are suited. Please don't pester them asking why they have not called, or when they will send you out on an interview. This could be a real turn-off for a busy recruiter.
5. If you don't hear from a recruiter, send a follow up letter/email and current résumé in 3-4 months. You can state in your letter, "Attached is an updated version of my résumé for your file."
6. If the recruiter's office requests additional information, respond quickly. It is not unusual for a recruiter to follow up with a request for salary history.
7. At all times demonstrate professionalism, good temperament, and flexibility. Recruiters want to be proud of the candidates they send for interviews.

We hope you follow these hints. No more chasing down recruiters asking for a shot at an interview. Instead, the right recruiter will be recruiting you for the right job at the right time.

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