It would be wise to learn what jobs are available as working with recruiters gives you an opportunity for broader exposure than you can get on your own. You never know when a recruiter might present you a better opportunity.
Expect to be Contacted
As job openings increase, an experienced executive who earns between the mid four to five figures income per month or more can expect to be contacted. If you never get a call from a recruiter throughout your career then you could either be not very good or too obscure in your role or reputation.
Employers traditionally prefer to target the ranks of the employed, especially those working for competitors. Potential candidates come from the Internet, industry or functional databases, a search firm's resume files and recommendations.
Here's how to handle calls so you remain in a recruiter's good graces without jeopardizing your current position:
Always take the call. If you don't cooperate, chances are you won't be contacted by the firm again. Refusing to talk to a recruiter shows that you may lack sophistication -- a definite blow to your prospects. On average, three out of 10 candidates won't return calls or say they're too busy to talk.
Find out more about the firm. Although there's some blurring of the lines, executive search firms usually are divided into two types -- retained and contingency -- and it helps to know the difference. Retained firms, are paid to conduct a search, even if no one is ultimately hired. Contingency firms, get paid only if their candidate is placed. Retained firms usually work only on senior level or niche assignments. Contingency recruiters fill lower-middle level posts.
If you aren't familiar with the recruiter, find out the type of firm, its specialty, history and client list, then ask for a phone number so you can call back to confirm that the company -- and recruiter -- actually exist or do a web search verification.
Read between the lines. During your first conversation, you won't be given the name of the hiring company, just a brief description of the opening and its requirements. The recruiter might also ask if you know of anyone suitable for the job. Be equally discreet in return. If you're interested, don't fire off your resume. Instead, ask for more information so you can evaluate the opportunity. Your next conversation should probably occur outside your office if you are suitable for the post.
If you aren't interested, say so, but do offer the names of people who might be suitable. You'll be helping your contacts and the recruiter, which can put you on his or her short list to call next time.
The person who says, 'Would you like suggestions that might lead you to the appropriate people?' will end up being a friend and maybe a few months down the road, there might be a more ideal assignment that's appropriate to your profile and timing to explore.
Be articulate and positive. The fact that you've been called usually means you have the right background for an opening. Don't assume you're just simply chatting; the search firm would already be evaluating whether you have the right communication skills and other "intangibles" needed for the job.
Compare someone who answers questions with ‘yups’ and ‘nos’, the recruiter will most likely look for someone else who answers in full sentences. A positive, can-do attitude is essential and if you can say, 'We had some real financial problems and have been in bankruptcy the past two years, but I've learned so much through this experience,' then the recruiter is more likely to think well of you than if you badmouth and run your employer down.
Don't exaggerate. When asked about your accomplishments or sales earnings, don't embellish. Recruiters check references thoroughly and any lies will disqualify you. If you fudge on your resume, that will give you a black mark not only with the recruiter, but with all their clients as well.
Being completely honest means the recruiter is more likely to find the right job fit for you to perform effectively. Tell them what you're looking for and what you aren't happy about and be realistic and honest about what you're earning and your competency or abilities.
If you survive these tests, the recruiter will usually arrange to meet you in person. At that time, you'll learn the employer's identity that the search firm represents. If you're still interested and continue to impress the search executive, your name, along with other potential candidates', will be submitted to the company for review and shortlisting. If you're suitable, the next call you receive will be to schedule a client interview.