The recent economic climate has made a significant impact on the market; for both companies and employees. Always keep in mind that a good relationship with a solid agency will pay great dividends.
Not sure? When’s the best time to develop a ‘relationship’ with your attorney? Dunno, but I’ll tell you when it’s NOT the best time: 3am, in jail, asking to borrow the yellow pages to make a phone call…
Are you pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down? Great! Heed some of these basic, yet often overlooked items when working with a Recruiter during your next career transition.
Exactly what does this mean? Simple. This means we can hear, see and detect bull$hit from a mile away… So, mean what you say and say what you mean. We’re here to help, but don’t take us for granted.
This isn’t the unemployment office or your human resource department, and we are not government employees. (at least at writing)
Need to preface by suggesting the best approach is a hybrid, of sorts. Stay passively aware of potential opportunities in the market with a professional ‘talent scout’ so you can evaluate and make your decisions proactively. Not out of fear or necessity. The best and brightest keep an eye open for opportunities that could potentially be better than their current situation…
Read: Proactive vs Reactive
Is this disloyal? Heck no. It’s REALISTIC! Pragmatic!
In today’s market uncertainty; Mergers & Acquisitions, buyouts, bankruptcy’s etc, don’t be surprised if you wind up in the same position… Don’t stick your head in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening…
‘Top 5 Golden Rules’ when working with a Recruiter (as a Job Seeker):
1) Be mindful & respectful of their time.
1a) Recognize they aren’t YOUR agent, their Free of Charge (to you), but their time is usually worth a minimum of $100 an hour. DON’T call every
2 days to follow up. In fact, if you don’t have a real good reason, don’t bother calling at all. If you absolutely must do so, email is usually preferred.
Think that’s a little bit harsh? It’s not. The REALITY is that no matter how much you commiserate that won’t land you a new job…the time spent discussing is better spent a myraid of ways… Moreover, the last thing you need right now is someone commiserating with you on how bad it is out there ~ you need someone to help you land a suitable position. We know it’s difficult, it’s what we do EVERY DAY. Looking for a job is a job! (and the pay sucks!)
Often recently unemployed candidates fall into several categories by default; make sure that ‘bitter and unhappy’ isn’t one of them. You’re not a victim, so stop acting like it.
2) Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you will. Trust me, our tolerance for ignorance and/or arrogance is really slim. Capiche? If not, best have a highly plausible explanation.
Particularly important regarding scheduled interviews. Most don’t realize the amount of time, energy, logistical concerns and resources that go into this process.
3) Being anything less than forthcoming with information. This doesn’t mean give up all info blindly… If you are uncomfortable with a request, just ask why that’s important or relevant at this time and listen.
This includes scenarios utilizing ‘cash register’ honesty, ie, where someone gives you change, but doesn’t tell you how they got it. Sneaky at best… Trust, but verify. Not unlike other industries, some have gained reputation for shady ethics. So, you’re right to be cautious. Just don’t sabotage a potential relationship which could be collectively beneficial.
4) Being ambiguous or disingenuous with your capabilities. They’ll find out soon enough.
Finally, and I mean this with all best intentions, PEOPLE GET HIRED FOR WHAT THEY CAN DO BUT FIRED FOR WHO THEY ARE. Just because you’re walk on water for requirements doesn’t mean you’re getting hired – with the amount of investment a company is looking at investing in exchange for our services, your training, relocation, benefits, etc., believe you me, they are listening for our feedback on your soft skills (or lack of).
5) BE NICE Show a little appreciation for the effort. It’s wise and in your best interest to be courteous and respectful. Especially if you don’t get an interview or land that job. Guess what? We BOTH get paid the same…ZERO. In fact, if you want to turn empathy into apathy, or worse, just give a little attitude to us on the back end of the process. Instead, ask questions & learn from the process.
That’s one of the Dalai Lama ’Lessons for Life’:‘When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” This applies in spades here… Because anyone that has been doing this for more than a few years will tell you, we’re phone cops…
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