This week I celebrate my 7th year working in the recruiting world.  Since starting in the industry, I have dealt with my share of characters; I’d say I’ve seen it all. The reason I love my job is because I get to deal with different people everyday, helping them with their job search.

Searching for a job is never an easy thing; it usually comes along with stress, uncertainty, transition and change. Working with a recruiter can ease the job search process in many ways and for me, after most searches I work on with candidates, I honestly feel like we have developed a business friendship. After my Associates are placed, I must admit, I sometimes miss talking to them. That being said, you have to know where to draw the line in terms of what is and what is not appropriate to say to your recruiter.

DO’s

• Do share enough personal information that your recruiter has a good sense of your personality and what makes you who you are.  Soft skills are just as important as hard skills in your job search so arm your recruiter with the tools to find you a well-rounded match.
• Do tell your recruiter the truth about your career history and reasons you have left other companies.  I would rather know what happened in your past then have to find out the truth from my client.
• Do keep in touch with your recruiter throughout the job process.  Always call for interview prep prior to meeting a client and follow up after you leave an interview to provide feedback.  We want to hear how things are going!!!  Also, remember to check in with any interview updates and pending offers, even if it is on your own or through another agency.
• Do voice concerns about a job that you are being presented with.  We only want to find you what you want, but if you aren’t telling us where we are missing the mark we won’t know why you aren’t happy with the positions presented.
• Do send referrals of other great candidates that you know. Although it’s hard to share your new recruiter “friend,” it’s the best compliment to show that you have enjoyed your experience.

DON’Ts

• Don’t share too much personal information.  The basics are great and if it pertains to why you left a position, please share, but anything that is emotion provoking should probably be left out.  Remember this is still an interview, so treat it as such.
• Don’t call too often.  Have you ever seen the movie “The Cable Guy”?  “Thought I heard the phone ring, thought it might be you…” Don’t be that persistent; even your best friends need time to call you back.  I usually tell someone we want to hear from you as much as you want to hear from us.  Call if you have something to report or a new item to talk about and, of course, to check in but don’t over do it.
• You might truly appreciate your recruiter for finding you the job of your dreams or getting you that increase in salary that you are looking for, but there is a fine line between friendly and too friendly.  Keep interaction professional like you might with a new coworker.
• Don’t send invitations to connect on Facebook, this would qualify as crossing the line. It is appropriate, however, to connect via LinkedIn.

I hope I have provided some useful tips for how to correspond with your recruiter!

- Jenna P., Staffing Consultant