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How to work with a recruiter to find your next job. (Candidate Blog)

You might not realise it but if you're dealing with a recruiter, they are the first step in the recruitment process meaning they too can make a decision on whether to put you forward or not so this blog is all about how to put yourself to top of their pile!

1. Understand the recruiter's objective:
A recruiter's priority is to match the best candidates with the best employers. Unfortunately they don't have time to help everyone meaning their first task of the day is to 'sift' through the pile of applications to find their 'candidates'.

If your CV is not perfect, don't waste your opportunity by sending it 'just in case'. Make it perfect to ensure that the recruiter dubs you as one of their 'star candidates'. If they do this, they will help you to find a job.

2. Make your intentions clear:
Make sure your application says who you are, what you offer and what you want from the recruiter / employer in the opening sentence of the email, and even the subject line. That way the recruiter can make a quick decision on whether they're able to help you and it means you won't miss out on an opportunity if you're the right fit.

3. Apply in the right way!
If you find yourself writing "To whom it may concern...", please stop. It takes 1 minute to find out from the web site or from Linked In to whom you should be addressing the email. It is clear to see from generic emails and CVs that the sender has sent it to 20 people that day so take the time needed to make it personal and give yourself the best chance of success.

4. Don't be offended if you don't hear back...
Most recruiters have a polite "If you don't hear from us within 10 days..." message telling you that they won't contact you if they can't help you. This might be because they have no vacancies relevant to your experience. Remember, it is in a recruiter's interest to work with the most appropriate and suitable candidates and they can receive 20 or so new CVs a day. If you're a strong candidate and you fit the bill, the recruiter will contact you. 

On that note, don't be afraid to make it clear in the initial email that you are local and can easily pop by the office if they'd like to meet you in person. They might just take you up on your offer!

5. Make your CV 'scanable':
It is fast becoming a cliché but it is true that recruiters only scan CVs. They often know in a flash whether a candidate is a good fit so, make it easy to read your CV by including a clear personal statement and by ordering your CV properly. 

Experience should always come top with the most recent experience first. Within the details of your experience, focus on your achievements not responsibilities and be specific. For example "achieved sales of £10,000 in Q1 against a target of £8,000" means so much more than "was responsible for sales".

Remember, recruiters often reformat CVs so avoid tables and break paragraphs into bullet points as they are easier to take in and to re-arrange.

6. Work with the recruiter, not against them:
Experienced recruiters have developed a 'sixth sense' and can detect those candidates who are not reliable and who are not being honest. The recruiter's reputation is on the line with every candidate they put forward so it is unlikely they will invest time in someone they don't trust. 


Linked to this, they need to understand your reasons for moving on so they can relay that information to the employer. Be honest and open and they will help.

Remember, this process goes two ways so if you have been asked to call with feedback after an interview please make sure you do it. Likewise, if you get cold feet after being made an offer just talk it through with your recruiter, they can probably help by talking to your potential employer or supporting you through the daunting process of handing in your notice.

Finally, your recruiter probably has a very good relationship with your potential employer and will have agreed the most appropriate times and methods to contact them for feedback. Going directly to the employer to get further feedback or to arrange interviews will not help the process and is likely to be counterproductive. They are using a recruitment company for a reason, so let the recruiter do their job.

Good luck!

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