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To get into recruiter’s orbit, you must first become a blip
The scenario
I would really like to get on the radar screen of recruiters. What should I do to get noticed by and develop a relationship with headhunters who will really help my career?
The advice
Recruiters can play an important role in managing your career - whether you are beginning your first job search or seeking a change in position or company - through their well-developed client relationships and expertise in the job market. Their experience can be invaluable in helping answer questions regarding career choices and describing opportunities.
Many people only contact recruiters when they are unemployed or unhappy. However, it is important for everyone to keep in touch with their business and personal networks. Part of every individual’s business network should include recruiters who represent roles and companies that “fit” one’s experience and aspirations.
You can research information regarding recruiters through the Association of Executive Search Consultants (http://www.aesc.org), the International Association for Corporate and Professional Recruitment (http://www.iacpr.org), and the Directory of Canadian Recruiters (http://www.directoryofrecruiters.com), to name a few. Seek out information related to each recruiter’s expertise in industries, career specialties and position levels that are relevant to you.
Another important consideration is to understand the difference between retained recruiters (retained by corporations on an exclusive basis) and contingency recruiters (only paid for job placements), and decide what type of recruiter will work best for you. Often, this is determined by their level of placements within certain industries or their capacity and/or ability to handle search assignments in a city, a country or globally.
You will need a concise, factual and polished résumé (no more than three pages) and introductory letter that explains your career and your accomplishments. Most recruiters maintain a database that they search for each assignment; make sure your résumé is on that database.
In addition, you will need to know how to talk about your career and work experiences, both with the recruiter and the prospective employer. You may wish to seek the advice of a career management specialist to help you here.
Telephoning recruiters to ask for a general interview, either in person or over the phone, is often accommodated. This will also provide an opportunity to ask the recruiter questions about companies they represent. If you are not successful at obtaining an interview, ask business associates to recommend recruiters they know in order to use an introductory name to get the recruiter’s attention.
Once you have developed a relationship with a recruiter, keep in contact a few times a year to update your information and gain marketplace intelligence. Please, however, be gracious. For any favours asked, reciprocity should be considered. A note thanking a recruiter for his or her time is always well received. The foundation of all relationships is consideration, thoughtfulness and kindness. Remember this when you ask for help from any member of your network and your career journey will be successful.
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