Biggest Recruiter Turn-Offs

Engaging with recruiters can be a great way to optimise your job search, however you may be inadvertently turning your recruiter off if you’re doing these 5 things…

1. Not reading the advert

Granted, agency job ads range from gloriously descriptive to plain and generic, but all will include basic details like whether the job is temporary or permanent, salary, location, and the role itself. Despite this, recruiters receive a high volume of applications from candidates who haven’t read the details. The following example conversation is not uncommon:

Recruiter: “Hello, I hope you’re well. I’m calling to discuss your application for the XXX role. It’s the full-time, temporary position based in Location X paying ￡12 per hour, with an immediate start.”

Candidate: “Oh, actually, I’m only looking for part-time work/won’t do temping/can’t get to Location X/wouldn’t work for less than ￡15 per hour/am on four weeks’ notice – so that wouldn’t be suitable for me.”

Recruiter: “But you applied for it?”

Candidate: “Sorry, I must have missed that on the ad.”

Recruiter: “Okay, thanks for that. Bye.”

This is a waste of your time and the recruiter’s, plus it gives the impression you aren’t undertaking your job search very diligently. To ensure your applications are more effective, consider the practicalities before applying so that you’re happy with the conditions on offer. This may mean applying for fewer roles, but the ones you do go for will have realistic prospects if they come to fruition, and you won’t be tarnishing your reputation with recruiters.

2. Calling, constantly

It’s great to keep in touch with your recruiter and build rapport; however consultants are often working to targets and deadlines. Instead of calling every other day to advise you’re still looking for work (and staying on for a chat thereafter), ask your consultant how they like to be kept in touch with. Some will do regular phone calls to check availability, while others prefer email contact. Basic, non-urgent queries should be emailed where possible, as recruiters spend a lot of time away from their desks and can end up perpetually missing calls.

Most consultants have times of their days allocated to specific tasks, known as ‘core hours’ which include times for calling clients, meeting with candidates, or writing CVs. The next time you’re speaking to your consultant, check whether it’s a good time to talk or if there’s a better opportunity to discuss your requirements later. This will ensure you’re speaking to your recruiter when you’re getting their full attention, and not when they’re covertly rushing you off the phone to meet an impending deadline...

3. Cancelling registration

At times in your job search, you will be invited to meet with your recruiter and fill out some paperwork. While this may seem like ‘just another appointment,’ this is your first chance to show your recruiter you are a reliable candidate. Cancelling these registrations or turning up without the requested documents can give the impression you are flaky or disorganised. This in turn may make your recruiter question whether you’d actually turn up to an interview if they arranged one for you.

If you do genuinely need to cancel, be professional about it. Call to explain the circumstances and ask if you can reschedule for a more suitable time. Candidates who ‘no show’ i.e. cancel without communication or apology, will probably not be contacted again.

4. Being rude or angry

Please bear in mind that recruiters are not obliged to represent you. Agencies aren’t public services, nor do you pay your consultant a fee to find you employment. As it happens, it’s in both parties’ interests to get you a suitable job so your goals are mutually aligned. However, this does not mean you should treat your consultant with any less respect than another professional partnership.

Candidates who are unnecessarily rude, aggressive, demanding, or angry with their consultants are unlikely to be put forward for jobs. Not only is it unprofessional, it is extremely hard for a recruiter to vouch for you, sing your praises and tell a company what a wonderful addition you’d make to their team, if this is not the impression you’ve given.

Be aware that recruitment is a fairly incestuous industry, so a run in with one consultant may reach the ears of many, and come back to haunt you down the line.

5. Registering with 100 agencies

Finally, it may be tempting to go out and register with every agency under the sun, but this tactic is usually viewed unfavourably by recruiters. Consultants want to partner with you, get to know your aspirations, and represent you effectively for work, however this collaboration can be diluted by promiscuous agency activity.

Do your research - find out which consultants specialise in your sector and location. Get recommendations or ask to see testimonials. Check that the recruiter is able to meet your needs and has experience doing so for similar candidates. This will cut down the risk of registering with the wrong people and wasting time during your job search. Dealing with one or two relevant agencies will minimise the chances of multiple agencies calling you for the same jobs or duplicate copies of your CV being sent to managers. You’ll get a far better return and service by maintaining the partnership faithfully. After all, why would one recruiter dedicate their time to finding you the perfect job, when you have five other recruiters on the case?

Any other recruiter turn offs? Comment below.

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Original article written for and published by www.recruiter.com.