Part of savvy, proactive career management is to develop a relationship with your recruiter. Don’t know any? Ask colleagues in your industry for the best executive recruiters they know, then follow up and get that relationship started before you begin a job search.
That relationship begins with offering the recruiter something of value. Information about an open position at your current organization, an offer to refer great candidates to them, or information about the state of your industry both locally and globally. Information they can use in the course of their work! Do you know a network connection or an alumnus from your executive MBA class who is searching for the right job? Introduce them to your favourite recruiter(s).
Why is building rapport and trust with a recruiter so important?
- Recruiters are the gatekeeper hiring influencers for tens of thousands of high level unadvertised jobs every year.
- Remaining top-of-mind for these busy professionals is a matter of effort on your part. The more value you offer them, the more likely they are to think of you when the perfect position opens up.
- Without that relationship, you are just another resume in a sea of thousands of resumes. Become a valuable contact, and you’ll stay on their radar.
Once you’ve built a solid relationship with the right recruiters, schedule time to network with them on a regular basis, and keep an ear out for information they can use, so that you add value to their network. Despite working for the employer, candidates who are well known to these hiring influencers and make their jobs easier, become priority placements.
Leave a Reply