Navigating the job market is challenging for a lot of folks
right now, no new news there right?
The question on the minds of many is how to make that navigation
a little easier and more productive. Several readers have asked
specifically about the best way to work with a recruiter during
their job search or time of transition.
The first thing is to set realistic expectations when contacting
a recruiter. It is important to understand that recruiters are
stacked with resumes these days. So if they don’t respond
immediately, don’t panic. Also, “Know what the recruiter
specializes in” says Brad Gray of McAleer Gray, a top recruiting
agency in Denver and added that “job seekers need to take the time
to research the agency’s website, just as they would research a
company that they were interested in working with.” This will help
as some firms specialize in IT, Healthcare, Telecom, etc., so it is
important to approach the recruiters that are most connected to
your industry and potential employment prospects. Brad also
suggests that you become aware of the arrangement that a particular
recruiter may work under as retained firms offer a high degree of
confidentiality and specificity while contingency based firms may
shop your resume more widely.
Even if you are currently employed, the best thing to do is to
make sure that you have a relationship with a top recruiter. This
way in the event that something happens where you find yourself
looking for work, you already have a solid contact. Judy Kennelley
of Integrity Network Inc., has been an executive recruiter in
Colorado for more than 20 years and offers this advice: “Even if
you are employed and you receive a call from a recruiter, always
take the call or return the call. You may not be in the market, but
you could know someone that would be a good fit for that search.
This will help build the beginning of a strong relationship that
will help down the road if you need it.”
For those in the job seeker mode right now, Judy shared that
“Job seekers sending cover letters and resumes into a recruiter
need to keep the cover letter brief with a clear focused message.”
She cited that too often she sees cover letters that try and
explain the whole life story or go into too much detail about why
or how they became available or unemployed. Because recruiters are
so inundated with potential applicants, they can’t possible read
and screen the longer cover letters and resumes.
The same concept here should be applied to reaching out to a
recruiter. Send the resume and brief cover letter, follow up with a
call and if you get voice mail, make sure your message is clear and
concise not long winded. You can also follow up with an email and
if no response, it is absolutely okay to follow up with a second
voice mail message or call.
The other advice Judy provided was that applicants should offer
to help the recruiter too. Meaning that if you make contact with a
recruiter, also ask how you can help them in the event you are not
the best fit for any openings they currently have. You can offer to
introduce them to companies looking for a recruiter or to other
talented, skilled, and motivated candidates in your network looking
for employment.
And remember Zig Ziglar’s philosophy, “You can have everything
in life that you want, as long as you help enough other people get
what they want.”
Lastly, treat the recruiters with the same appreciation and
respect that you would show any hiring manager from within a
company you were interviewing with. Top recruiters like Judy
Kennelly and Brad Gray as well as others throughout Colorado can
help you with everything from your resume to your interviewing
skills if they feel you have the talent, motivation, and skills
that will add value to their clients. So take the time to do the
research on the recruiting firm, build the proper relationships,
and keep them in the loop throughout all aspects of your job
search. If you navigate the recruiter pathway properly, you will
certainly increase your chances of securing your next career.
Keep the faith, stay positive, and help your recruiter help you.
Let me know how the search is going at msnorton@comcast.net and make it
a better than good week!
Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former
president of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and founder of
www.candogo.com.
