As a job seeker, working with a staffing and recruiting firm is one of the smartest moves you can make. Having an experienced recruiter on your side to help you land the perfect job is an incredible asset, so take full advantage of this opportunity. Your recruiter truly wants to help you succeed in your career!
Mistakes to Avoid When Working With a Recruiter
Avoiding these potential slipups can help you get the most out of your experience and ensure that your next opportunity is a perfect fit!
1. Falling Off the Grid
Simply put, if you’re serious about getting a job, you need to respond to emails from your recruiter and pick up the phone when they call you. If a hiring manager wants to interview you, but your recruiter can’t get a hold of you for a week, you’ll lose the opportunity. No one wants to hire a person their own recruiter can’t track down.
Related: Should I Use a Recruiter in My Job Search?
2. Being Vague or Dishonest About Career Goals
It’s impossible for your recruiter to find the right opportunity for you if you’re not upfront about your career goals. The more insights you offer on everything from the type of projects you’d like to work on to your ideal work environment, the better.
3. Failing to Tap Into a Recruiter’s Knowledge
Your recruiter is a hiring expert, so take advantage of everything they have to offer. Let them review your resume, ask for help preparing for interviews and find out as much as you can about a company prior to interviewing to present your very best self.
4. Lacking Enthusiasm
Getting a new job should be an exciting time in your life, so acting like you couldn’t care less sends a red flag to your recruiter. If you show up for a job interview with a bad attitude, you’ll damage both your own reputation and your recruiter’s. No one wants to work with a candidate who doesn’t seem to really want their assistance.
5. Speaking Poorly of a Former Employer
There’s a good chance you’re looking for a new job because you hate your boss, but your recruiter doesn’t need to know that. If you go into the meeting badmouthing a current or former employer, you’ll be viewed as a huge liability, because you’ll probably eventually do the same if hired by one of their clients.
6. Allowing Desperation to Lead Your Search
When you’re out of work or desperate to leave your current job, you want a new job yesterday; however, don’t tell your recruiter you’ll take anything available. Recruiters want to present candidates who are truly passionate about the position and see it in their long-term plans, not someone just looking for a paycheck.
7. Opting Not to Dress Professionally for Meetings
It’s true that meeting with your recruiter isn’t a formal job interview, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to dress to impress. Your recruiter won’t feel comfortable sending you out on job interviews if they’re at all uncertain you won’t show up looking sharp. Set the right tone from the beginning by dressing as though your meeting with your recruiter is the job interview itself.
8. Refusing to Accept Constructive Criticism
Your recruiter wants to help you impress every hiring manager you meet, so listen to their advice — even when it hurts your ego a bit. When they offer tips before an interview or share feedback from a hiring manager, take their words seriously because they know what they’re talking about.
Searching for the right recruiting firm to steer your job search? Sparks Group, one of the top staffing agencies in MD, VA and DC, has been helping top talent find outstanding job opportunities since 1970. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your career!
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