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What's a recruiter all about?
by Karin Call
November 6, 2000
Tips for IT Professionals in their job search
By Karin Call
"If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask someone else first."
-(Nirvana) Milk It
So you want to work with a staffing agency. But how do you choose? There are literally thousands of options, both online and offline. Start by asking questions.
Research the recruiters
Narrow the playing field by finding out some background information about the recruiting agencies themselves. Do they have the experience and knowledge to be placing technical professionals? After all, the IT field is a diverse animal when compared to other occupations.
How long have they been in business? How did this agency evolve? It wouldn't hurt to call or e-mail a few references. If the company consists of two guys sitting in the closest pay-by-the-hour cyber cafe, it's probably safe to redline them.
Find out about the money. How do you and your agency get paid? The recruiter may be paid directly by the client or he may take a preset amount from your paycheck. Also, determine who is going to hand over your paycheck: the recruiter or the client. In either case, make sure there is a specific payment schedule in place. Make sure your recruiter is a top-of-the line negotiator who will get you the package you deserve. As always, read all contracts carefully before signing. Better yet, have a lawyer look at any contracts first.
Are they a service-oriented agency? If you are being strong-armed into taking a position you are not completely comfortable with, steer clear. But if they are in-tune to your concerns and are willing to give you extra details and constructive suggestions, you may have a winner.
It doesn't have to be just one
Many IT professionals find it advantageous for their careers to work with more than one recruiter. But limit yourself to three or four agencies in order to keep things manageable. By sticking to a limited number of firms, it will be easier to build a rapport with the individual recruiters. This relationship can be crucial in ensuring that when your dream job comes along, you will get a shot at it.
Be organized. Keep a folder of contact information: names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, street addresses, and cell phones. Print off e-mail and keep it in your folder. Take notes regarding job information, whether you are given this information on the phone or in person. Date everything.
Protect yourself from double submittals. If you agree to have your resume submitted, be sure and ask for a job code number as well as the hiring managers initials. Don't forget to find out what the follow-up time frame is on the submittal.
Understanding your recruiter
Recruiters are multi-taskers. Their goals are obvious - to find appropriately experienced candidates for their clients. But in order to achieve that goal, they must skillfully manage relationships with both the candidates and the employers. That's where you come in.
What should you expect from them?
Being the candidate, you can expect a recruiter to try to come to an in-depth understanding of your career goals and background before asking permission to send out your resume to a client. You will most likely spend time filling out a few application forms, e-mailing or faxing over a resume, chatting on the phone, or stopping by the recruiter’s office for a one-on-one chat.
Expect to provide references that will definitely be called. Don't reference a boss that you never got along with, just because he holds a prestigious title. Write down three or more professional references that you are confident will give you rave reviews. Then warn the references. Shoot out an e-mail, call them, or send them a quick note via snail mail to explain that a recruiter may be contacting them on your behalf. Some people just don't like surprises after all.
There may be a resume tweak here and there. Go ahead and listen to what the recruiter suggests regarding your resume. Remember that he or she reads hundreds on a weekly basis. It's safe to say that the recruiter has a good handle on what is effective and what isn't. A word of caution, though: take care not to let yourself be misrepresented. Read all changes thoroughly before allowing the resume to be sent out to a prospective employer.
It's all about me
Do you really know what you want? Be clear on the type of work you enjoy as well as your acceptable salary range. Be honest about your experience and background. It is important to express how flexible you are willing to be when it comes to working overtime and traveling. Set your parameters from the beginning. Interviewing for a job you don’t really want, or vacillating on job offers, can waste everyone's valuable time.
What's the problem? No matter how many times you call your recruiter, if there aren't any openings in your field, there aren't any openings. It's safe to say that leaving 20 voice mail messages per day is annoying. If this is your style, the recruiter will have torn up your resume by lunchtime.
Think about your image. Your positive personality and professional appearance will go a long way in radiating your seriousness in looking for a position. Use these potent tools to your advantage.
Final Words
Recruiters are the facilitators. They can help you manage an interview, negotiate salary, and communicate with the client they represent. But remember to use your logical nature and some good old common sense before putting faith into a recruiting agency. Then it’s sure to happen.
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