Every job seeker dreams of finding the perfect position. The word “recruiter” often pops up as the go-to person to make that dream happen. Let’s look at strategies to enlist recruiters and get them to become your champion.
As a top recruiter for over 25 years, I offer an insider’s view on the types of recruiters and how to win them over.
Internal recruiters work in a company’s Human Resources department. While they are looking to fill one or more specific positions at any given time, they’re often keeping an eye out for people that might be right for other positions that typically come up at their company.
- What you can do:
- Identify your target company’s recruiting team (through their website or LinkedIn) and reach out to them.
- Find commonalities. Did you go to the same school? Mention that. Do you have shared interests?
- Comment with enthusiasm.
- Attend events where they’re speaking. Say something you noticed about their company or your similar interests, but don’t overwhelm them. Do be ready to send them a resume if they ask. Coffee?
Staffing agencies or contingency recruiters have a wide variety of positions they are trying to fill in several companies, so get in touch! Be aware, however, they are paid only after their client hires a candidate they present.
- What you can do:
- Find staffing companies that specialize in your field. Here are a few:
- Mathys + Potestio (creatives)
- Robert Half (financial and legal)
- Mainz Brady Group (technical)
- Submit a focused resume or quick note that highlights a specific type of job in high demand.
Retained recruiters are on retainer to fill a select few senior-level or highly technical positions. These recruiters only want to meet folks who match the relatively small number of positions they are retained to fill (or may be filling in the future).
What you can do:
- Ask folks in your network who have been placed by a recruiter to make an introduction.
- On LinkedIn, search for the word “recruiter” and your specialty. For example, “Recruiter AND health care” or “Recruiter AND IT.” Then reach out to several who interest you.
Develop a Positive Relationship
If a recruiter responds or reaches out to you, set up a time to chat. The conversation should be about their needs, not yours. By emphasizing the solutions you’ll bring to the position, the recruiter is more likely to present you to the hiring manager. Stay positive; make them want to keep you in mind and call you if another good match pops up.
It can be discouraging if you work hard to engage a recruiter and still don’t get a call back (when I was a recruiter, I knew I needed to focus my time on satisfying my retained accounts.) Nevertheless, hold your head high, knowing that they are missing out. You know you are great!
Continue networking to meet recruiters, hiring managers, and those who WILL be your champion.
