Jason gives a rundown of ways recruiters can help candidates out over at “What I Wish Recruiters Knew“.
Candidates can also improve the process through simply asking some questions to show you care, and which allow the recruiter to be open with you.
Here’s even a script:
“I realize you must have a lot on your plate. I don’t know what else you’re juggling, but I’d like to know how I can best work with you. Can I ask a few questions?
- I know that openings come and go, and I am willing to be patient for the right one. Do you have something you feel I am an excellent match for right now? Or, do you think I am in for a little wait?
- Is there a place I can go to see what your openings are? OR I know some boards cost money… is there a place I can watch and see *all* your jobs?
(follow-up: can I subscribe to those jobs? If not, I strongly recommend Indeed.com‘s job-alerts) - How likely is it that a job is still open if I see it on the board?
- If I see a job that fits me, what’s the best thing to do? I’d rather not send my resume or fill-out an application for each one I like. Can I contact you? Is there someone better to contact?
- What else should I be doing on my own?
- I am interested in landing the right position for me. I realize that may take some grooming… will you let me know if you see errors or things I should improve–either in my resume or portfolio or my presentation? Please be honest with me, ok?”
These things will help the recruiter know you respect them, but you’re looking for a way to be included in the “inner circle” of the recruiter’s work-life. Your request to get honest feedback will cause most recruiters to exhale for the first time in days.
“A candidate who wants me to be completely honest with them! What a breath of fresh air!”
What you’re saying in all this is that you’re smart, aware, talented yet humble, a good communicator and a good problem-solver. You make it easy for people to work with you. And, most of all, that you actually “care” a bit.
In Love is the Killer App, Tim Sanders shares what happens when you make caring for others more than yourself:
When you represent knowledge, opportunity, selflessness and intimacy, you are not just a service provider or a product. You are fun, you are interesting, you are valuable; you take people places they have never been before, you show them books theyve never heard of, you introduce them to people they never dreamed they would meetin short, you are the equivalent of a human theme park.
Skill-matches and accolades aside, these are skills that I call the “special sauce” that will get you catapulted to the front of a recruiter’s mind.
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