In Part 1 of this 3-part series about working with a recruiter, we talked about the recruiter as a career partner and an ally. A good recruiter will provide impartial career advice. He will work to build a relationship with you, one which includes active listening and asking lots of questions. Here’s part 2 of my discussion with Barbara Blau, founder and president of DP Professionals.

Exploring the Opportunity

If you’ve decided to explore the opportunity, next steps should include determining how communication will happen.

Timing is everything. Determine right away how you and the recruiter can communicate.

• Try not to use your work email to communicate with your recruiter. Employers can intercept and read incoming and outgoing emails at any time.
• If you are going on vacation, or will be out of contact, provide the number of someone who can get in touch with you.
  • Why? If an interview has been scheduled, for example, and then is rescheduled, you need to know… especially if it’s pushed earlier. Or you may need to provide permission for your resume to be sent for an opening with a narrow application window.
  • This is only during times when you are actively being considered for a position.
  • Can you accept calls at work, or should you? You may need to tell your recruiter to leave a message, and you will return their call during lunch or a break.

What are your expectations?

A good recruiter will talk to you about your expectations for the new opportunity.

• Is this a lateral move, and would that be a good move right now? Is it a step up the career ladder?
• Where is the opportunity? In the same town? What company? Is it a company you can see yourself working for?
• Will you be doing the same thing, using the same skill set, or will you be using your skills in a new way?
• What does the full compensation package look like?
• What about the culture of the new company? Do you enjoy being part of a team, or do you prefer to work off by yourself? If the culture of the new company includes open spaces and low cubicle walls, will you be able to adjust?
• What are you looking for in a community if the opportunity is in another city or state? Do you have a budding gymnast or ice skater at home, who will need a gym or ice rink and coaches? 

You need to have a real conversation about your wants, needs, and priorities. Skills, compensation, working conditions – all these are part of the discussion. A good recruiter will listen to you, and give you what you ask for.

Above all, be honest – with the recruiter, with yourself, and with the others who will be impacted by your move.

In Part 3, we’ll conclude the series by talking about the process of submitting your resume through post-placement. Questions? Comments? We’d like to hear from you.

~Catherine Buck Morgan
Corporate Media Specialist, DPP 

Photo by franckreporter