A Recruiters Role in Your Career Journey

Changing careers or moving into a new job can have a significant impact on your life. We know you don’t just want any job. You want a job where you can apply your skills and abilities to be the best version of yourself while moving towards your long-term career goals. A strong relationship with a trusted recruiter can help you navigate your options to get there.

Each year our team helps connect hundreds of professionals across Canada and the United States with their next career-advancing move. If you haven’t worked with a recruiter before you might not be sure what to expect. Our team offers a few tips to help you realize the full benefit of working with a recruiter to achieve your career goals:

1. Reach out.

Don’t be afraid to make the first contact with a recruiter. Let us know you’re ready for a career change – send us an email, give us a call, or connect with us on LinkedIn. We’re always open to a confidential conversation.

Developing a relationship with a recruiter, especially one that specializes in your industry, can open doors and expand career prospects that you may not have been aware of.

2. Ask questions.

Not sure if the opportunity is right for you? A recruiter can provide you with additional information about the opportunity that may not be included in a job post, like the workplace culture and values, reporting structures, or interesting projects the organization may be working on. Ask questions about an opportunity before you apply to ensure it is a fit.

3. Share your long-term career goals.

If you’re clear about your long-term career goals, skilled recruiters can help you see a career move from a “big picture” perspective.  Share with the recruiter where you see yourself in 5 years.

We want to be sure that we help you not only connect with opportunities that you are qualified for but that you really want.

4. Be open and transparent.

We strive to be open and honest in all our communications with candidates, from the first contact to the final hiring decision, and we ask for the same openness in return.

The more open you are about past experiences and motivation for looking for a new opportunity, the better we can align you with future opportunities to ensure the ideal fit!

5. Tell us when a role isn’t a fit.

We’re OK with rejection. If you’re no longer interested in pursuing a job opportunity, let us know. Understanding why an opportunity is no longer a fit helps us ensure that future matches are better aligned with your interests. Don’t hesitate to be direct. If you choose not to respond to us we’ll never know if your silence means you aren’t interested in a specific opportunity or any new opportunity at all.

6. Keep us up to date on your job search.

Letting us know that you are considering other opportunities or that you have reservations about the role we’re working on helps us best represent you and your interests to potential employers. If, as the recruitment process advances, you are concerned that an opportunity is not the best one for you, an open conversation can ensure that the message is communicated to a potential employer in a professional way ensuring everyone’s reputation remains intact.

7. Act professionally.

Professionalism is key. Organizations expect recruiters to present the best candidates in the field – show your recruiter that you are among them. Punctuality, courteousness, and professional attire all contribute to making a positive first impression.

8. Ask for feedback.

Going through a job search is a great opportunity for professional growth and as recruiters we’re excited to help you learn and develop!  

9. Give us your feedback.

We also look at each job search as an opportunity for growth. Your feedback, as a candidate, is important to us. If you have concerns about a particular role, an aspect of the interview or recruitment process, let us know. With your feedback we’re able to continue to provide great candidate experiences and connect more people with great roles!

10. Stay in touch.

Don’t let the end of a job search be the end of your relationship with a recruiter. Keep us in your network and don’t be shy to reach out every so often to share what’s new in your career.

By staying in touch, you’ll be top of mind for future roles that come available.

Looking to build a strong relationship with a recruiter to help you advance your career? Connect with one of our recruitment professionals and explore the current opportunities we’re working on.