4 Ways to Get the Most out of a Recruiter During Your Job Search

Working with a recruiter is a fantastic opportunity to secure the job you want. But some people don't realize the other ways you can leverage the recruiting experience to get the most out of the partnership. If you want to work with a recruiter, here are 4 tips that will help you get the most out of the experience. 

1. Actually build the relationship. 

A recruiter is someone  who is invested in matching the right candidate with their client. This is someone you want to be courteous and pleasant with. People like to work with people they like. Making a good impression in-person and online matters. Making yourself stand out to the recruiter will make the recruiter consider you for the job you are applying for and other opportunities you aren’t even aware of. Foster a relationship with your recruiter that allows them to see who you truly are, and you will reap the benefits of them understanding what client is a good fit for you and them wanting to help  a friend. 

2. Get the inside scoop.   

When applying for a job, have you ever asked any of these questions: 

• What is the work culture like?  

• Will I fit into the work culture? 

• How easy will it be to move up in the company? 

• Does the company offer flexible work schedules? 

• Can I negotiate the offered salary?  

• Does the company offer bonuses? 

• Is vacation time negotiable?

Instead of applying for a position with your eyes covered, utilize your relationship with a recruiter to get these answers — and the answers to other questions that you haven’t even thought of yet. Working with a recruiter can give you the context and background you need to understand if the potential employer would be a good fit for you. Who doesn’t want more information when applying for a job? 

3. Ask for interview coaching and resume help. 

Working with the right career coach is a life-changing experience. When I was a legal recruiter, my favorite part of the job was providing job coaching the candidates needed (whether they knew it or not). Working with a recruiter who takes the time to give you job coaching can help the application process go much smoother, and can help you land the opportunity you want. 

4. Leverage your recruiter during negotiations.

Ever feel a bit uneasy when you need to negotiate a salary offer? No worries. Your recruiter can be an ally as you navigate the negotiation space. Remember, the recruiter needs to find the best candidate for their client. If you are that candidate, they will help you negotiate what deal is going to make both you and their client happy. Otherwise, they lose. 

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Natasha Nurse started Dressing Room 8 to provide a web-based resource where women can gain personal and professional empowerment through her fashion and lifestyle focused blog. Dressing Room 8 helps women learn how to think with clarity, dress with confidence, and live with purpose. She is the Lifestyle Editor for Plus Model Magazine, Program Coordinator for Long Island Girl Talk, and she co-hosts a podcast with her husband called WokeNFree. Follow Natasha on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.