MRT Insights

WHAT TO DO WHEN A RECRUITER CALLS

Seventy percent of respondents want interactions with a human during the job placement process. These stats expose the importance of recruiters and that most candidates want interactions with them.

We sat down with Jerry Jones and Craig McMillan to get their advice as veteran recruiters on how to navigate a job search using a recruiter. Being contacted by a recruiter can cause some anxiety, and it may be stressful to analyze if the recruiter that contacted you is the right fit. We are going to discuss some of the stigmas behind recruiters and the best practices to use.

A RECRUITER CONTACTS YOU, WHAT DO YOU DO?

The first thing you need to do is answer the phone. While this can be daunting, it is important to hear out a recruiter as they might have an opportunity you may never considered before or thought possible. Next, you need to build rapport with the recruiter and qualify them as the right person for you. You can do this by asking them a series of questions to establish a foundation.

• What industry do you specialize in?
• How long have you been recruiting?
• How many people have you placed in this organization/company?
• What is your specialty?

Later in the interview, Jerry emphasized the importance of building trust with your recruiter. Your career, job, family, and location are all huge parts of your life, you want to be able to discuss these things with your recruiter. Finding someone you can trust is vital.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECRUITERS

Before you can qualify a recruiter, you need to answer their call. Jerry said, “I think it is career suicide if you do not take the recruiter’s call and at least talk.” You never know when an opportunity comes along, and you may miss it. You never know when you are going to need a recruiter.

Careers, companies, and individuals are ever-changing, and having a relationship with a recruiter can allow you to have some insurance. Jerry gave this advice: “You keep your doctor, your lawyer, your banker, and your recruiter your best friends.” Having a relationship with a recruiter can help you avoid having a stagnant career.

Recruiters have an important job. They should be guiding you along the whole process and “holding your hand” through it. If a recruiter is not being transparent with you and sharing all the information they have on the company and position, they are not doing their job. A candidate should know who is interviewing them and what the company is looking for. Recruiters allow you to not feel so anxious throughout your job search process.

BEFORE YOU ACCEPT A JOB, REFLECT ON YOUR WHY

Make sure you are making a move for the right reasons. A career change is a huge decision, and you do not want to burn any bridges. If you think the problems you are having at your current job can be fixed, talk with your employer. Craig said, “the grass is not always greener.” Talk to your family and your loved ones before you decide. If you want more money, reach out to your employer, and show them the metrics on why you deserve more. Recruiters want to help you with career growth and opportunities, not because you want more money.

RECRUITERS VALUE

The importance of recruiters has been established, but they also provide unseen value. We wanted to reflect on this and show how recruiters can enhance both candidate and client experiences. With years of industry knowledge, recruiters can advance both candidate and client goals.

Sharing results from a recent Bullhorn survey:

What is the greatest value a recruiter can add?

• Providing evidence and expertise (33%).
• Finding the right jobs (59%).
• Securing Interviews & Opportunities (41%).

How do candidates view recruiters favorably?

• Save them time in the job search process (45%).
• Provide access to better opportunities (40%).
• Are easy to work with (26%).

Our office is supplied with some of the best recruiters in the industry. We believe in ethical and transparent recruiting practices. We always put the intentions of the candidate and client first. If you need a recruiter or looking for more information on what services we can provide, contact us today.