How to work with a recruiter

This post is about how to properly work with a recruiter, defining roles and setting expectations. The role is very personal - not unlike doctor/patient, attorney/client, etc. To be successful a good deal of information must be shared. A speaker at our association meeting, Jon Bartos (executive coach), summed it up really well, and I thought it would help.

Your recruiter's role is as follows:
- Will act as your talent agent.
- Will present you to companies that will benefit from your skills and experience.
- Will find companies that meet your requirements for the best next step in your career.
- Will present you in a positive manner.
- Will set up all interviews, taking care of all the details.
- Will prepare you before interview. Discuss with you details about the hiring manager, the company and the job description, including what they look for in a successful candidate.
- Will debrief you after interviews, openly and honestly addressing any concerns the company might have.
- Before the final interview, will be sure questions of compensation and benefits are answered so that the situation be a win-win one for you and them.
- Will walk you through the resignation process and cover the counteroffer.
- After you join the new team, will follow up with you.
- Will work with you throughout the process, handling issues, no matter how small.
Recruiters really want to partner in your success, be your talent agent for the rest of your career.

Your role as the candidate is as follows:
- You need to be as flexible as possible when scheduling interviews and time to talk with the recruiter.
- If your recruiter leaves you a message or sends you an email, you should respond with in four hours.
- Your recruiter will commit to openness and honesty at every stage of the process, the same is needed from you.
- It is imperative to bring questions or concerns to your recruiter's attention immediately.
- Your recruiter will ask your interest level from time to time, so be thinking about that as you go through the interview process.
- If your interest wanes throughout the process, let your recruiter know immediately.
- If you are considering another opportunity now or during the process, let your recruiter know.
- It may be necessary for you to redo your resume, put together a list of career highlights, provide verification of achievement (where applicable) and/or produce a copy of the previous year's W2 or a current pay stub. (Most of these are usually at the client's request.)
- To be really successful, it is important for your to work closely with your recruiter and to be able to trust one another completely.
- Your recruiter will work with you to create an offer that you are willing to accept in principal before it is officially presented by the company.

Be really sure to agree on communication methods, communication timeframe, interview process for the position, compensation that is acceptable to you, open and honest communication, and the ability to accept offer on your behalf (this is called PTA - permission to accept and I suggest you talk with your recruiter about what that means).

I'm hoping this helps make the foundation of your relationship with your recruiter strong.
I have some questions I've been asked to answer and I will do so in my next posts. If you have a question, please let me know! Post here or email me at ahayes@walker-elliott.com.