Tips for Working with a Job Recruiter

Involving a job recruiter in your job search has a number of advantages, and since the service is free to job seekers, it’s always a good option to consider. Get the most out of your relationship with a recruiter with these tips.

Write an Effective Cover Letter

In addition to standard information such as your professional skills and accomplishments, a cover letter for a recruiter should include details on the position and industry you’re most interested in, your salary history and salary range for a new job, when you’re available to be interviewed, and any other relevant information, such as whether you’re willing to relocate. Your cover letter should be brief and your important selling points should be emphasized using bullet points, so that a recruiter can find this information quickly.

Use Keywords

Add relevant keywords to your resume and cover letter. The recruiter will add these documents to a searchable database, and the right keywords will increase your chances of having your documents pulled up in a search.

Don’t Contact the Same Office More than Once

Send your resume and cover letter to only one recruiter in a recruiting company. Slipping up and sending your documents to multiple recruiters in the same office is unprofessional, and since recruiters work on commission, it can cause problems when more than one recruiter wants to represent you.

Provide Information

Any question a recruiter asks you is relevant to their job search efforts on your behalf. Don’t be stingy with giving out information, and give it as soon as possible when it’s asked for. Never assume that a recruiter already knows what your job entails—some explanation of your experience and skills will almost certainly be required. This will help them match you up with relevant jobs.

Stay in Contact

A recruiter is more likely to make an effort on your behalf when they know you’re interested and enthusiastic about working with them. If you get a call-back from a recruiter, contact them once a week or so to let them know you’re still interested in any position they can offer.

Contact via Email Only

Unless a recruiter specifically requests otherwise, it’s best to contact them via email. Recruiters do most of their business with companies over the phone, and usually prefer that job candidates use alternative methods of communication.

Also, please review our Tools to Find a Job section.  If you need more help, please consider using a Career Counselor.