Many job seekers are unsure of what a recruiter does. A recruiter is a professional who helps companies find the best candidates for open positions and also helps job seekers find roles that fit their unique skills and experience.
If you’re a job seeker, then you likely already know that finding a new role is a full-time job. The hiring process can be overwhelming. The good news is that working with a recruiter helps ease the burden of the search.
Keep reading to learn more about what a recruiter does, and how working with a recruiter can benefit you in your job search.
A day in the life of a recruiter
A typical day for a recruiter may include:
• Posting job openings on job boards and other online channels such as LinkedIn
• Sourcing candidates through databases, social media, and other online channels
• Reviewing resumes and applications
• Conducting initial phone screens with candidates
• Scheduling interviews between candidates and hiring manager
• Providing feedback to candidates after interviews
• Checking references
A recruiter wears many hats. They are responsible for finding the best talent out there, but they can’t do it without the help of job seekers.
Here are a few ways job seekers can improve their chances of being hired:
Keep your résumé up to date. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t have an updated résumé when they start working with a recruiter. A résumé is the first impression someone has of you and your professional background, so make sure it’s accurate and up to date. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your résumé, check out this post for tips on how to get started.
Be responsive to recruiters’ emails and calls. Job seekers are busy, but if they’re not responsive to communications from recruiters, the recruiter might assume they’re not interested in the opportunity and will move on to other candidates. If a candidate needs more time to get back to a recruiter, they’re encouraged to let the recruiter know so they can find a time that works best for their schedule.
Be honest about your qualifications. It’s tempting to embellish qualifications when applying for jobs, but it’s important for candidates to be honest about their skills and experience. Not only is it the right thing to do, but if they’re caught in a lie, it will ruin their relationship with the recruiter (not to mention their chances of being hired). Be honest from the start so recruiters can help find positions that are truly a great fit.
Follow up after interviews. Whether or not a candidate gets offered the job, it’s always important to follow up with a thank-you note or email following an interview. This shows that they are interested in the opportunity and appreciate the time the interviewer took to meet with them. Plus, it gives the candidate one last chance to sell themselves as the best person for the job.
Working with a recruiter can benefit both companies and job seekers alike. A recruiter can save a company time and money by finding qualified candidates quickly and efficiently. For job seekers, working with a recruiter gives them access to opportunities that they might not otherwise be aware of and provides guidance throughout the application process. The most successful relationships between recruiters and job seekers are built on trust, honesty, and communication — so if you’re looking for assistance in your job search, keep those things in mind as you begin working with a recruiter.
