Working with recruiters (part 6)

If a recruiter asks for an exclusive, meaning that the recruiter represents you for a fixed period of time and you agree not to work with other recruiters during that time, make sure you understand how you gain from this arrangement.

This is when you must make absolutely sure that your resume is not sent without your approval. You'll look disorganized if two firms present you to the same employer. Even worse, the employer may avoid you because it does not want to get involved in a dispute between two firms over who found you first.

Approach an interview with a recruiter as if it were with a potential employer. The employer's first impression of you will more often than not come from the recruiter. With that in mind, prepare for an interview with a recruiter just as you would for an interview with a hiring manager.

Even though the recruiter does not work for you, in some cases you can be more open with the recruiter than you would be with an employer without the adverse consequences. For example, specifying a number of job search parameters early on, such as maximum commute time, salary range, benefits, etc., may be considered presumptive or premature when interviewing with an employer, but it is much less so with a recruiter. In fact, skilled recruiters will appreciate the honesty, because they'll know not to waste their time and yours sending you somewhere you don't want to be.

If you aren't interested in a position, let the recruiter know. They may drop you if it happens more than once, but you'll probably be better off. Besides, why should they keep wasting your time sending you to positions you don't like? You deserve better.

Keep the recruiters in your network informed when you change jobs, get promoted, etc., especially those with whom you have already established a relationship (e.g., if they previously placed you).

To be continued....