Unlocking career opportunities is an art, and working with a recruiter can be your masterstroke. If you haven’t already, it’s likely that soon enough you’ll come across a recruiter while you search SEEK, LinkedIn and other job boards looking for your next opportunity.
Before you say it… we know. Recruiters don’t always have the best reputation. But, when you find the right ‘fit’ with a recruiter, the job-hunting journey can become a collaboration. Here are some of our top tips for working with a recruiter.
Be honest
We understand that sometimes it’s hard to decide on how much information to share. The more information you can share with a recruiter about you, the more they can help. This includes details about your career history, the reasons you’ve left previous roles, what you really want in your next role, where you’re at on your job hunt, who else you’re speaking to, and what salary you’re earning. Doing this, will help the recruiter match your skills appropriately, enhance job fit, and will build a long-term relationship with the recruiter.
Recruiters can be a great source of industry knowledge – use this to your advantage
Within the defence industry, everyone knows everyone. One of the perks of working with a recruitment company (like us 😉) is that they have multiple clients and often have access to general market knowledge you might not find elsewhere. Here at Kinexus, we love talking about our industry and are always happy to advise on market trends, salaries and even insight into the employers with the best reputations. We understand our clients and can advise on their culture and provide tailored interview tips and tricks.
Keep your information up to date
Up-to-date resumes, LinkedIn profiles and contact numbers ensure that you will be accurately represented in the recruitment process and can mean you are most likely to get a call when an interesting role comes in. It also makes you appear organised and engaged. Things can move quickly within recruitment, and being easily contactable is a great advantage. LinkedIn especially is a great way to get noticed, both by employers and recruiters.
If you need some inspiration for your LinkedIn profile, check out our blog Get Noticed On LinkedIn: Top Tips On How To Supercharge Your LinkedIn Profile.
And if you’re still left wondering, here are some of our frequently asked questions
1. I’ve applied for that job directly with the client, can you still put me forward?
Unfortunately, not. If the client already has your details, then they won’t be able to accept our recommendation. Putting you forward anyway isn’t a good look, for either of us.
2. I’m looking for something specific, will you force me to apply for interview for jobs that I’m not interested in?
No, never. At the end of the day, we want you to be happy and do what you want to do! We’re not square peg round hole kind of people. Be honest with us, give us feedback on why you’re not interested in the role, and we will take it on board.
3. I’ve sent you my resume, will you send it to all your clients without me knowing?
Another no. Another never. We won’t do anything with your personal details without your permission.
4. I’m on your database, will you call me when a role I’m suited for comes in?
We’ll do our best to! But if you see a role on our Jobs page that you’re interested in, you’re always welcome to give us a call first.
If engaging a recruiter is something you’re interested in, contact us today!
Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash
