How to Work Well with External Recruiters

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A couple of newsletters back I wrote on "Should you work with External Recruiters?"

I received emails asking how to build a good relationship with recruiters. So, in today's newsletter, I would like to address the question - How to work well with External Recruiters

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1. Competency during screening call

Most recruiters will have a screening call with you before representing your profile to a client.?

Some recruiters would even meet or do a video call after that first screening to really understand your experience and what you are looking for.

These calls are important to build your credibility!

When I was in Page, the screening recruiter would add in notes about the candidate. And that was how the rest of the team decided whether they wanted to contact a particular candidate for roles moving forward.

So, make sure you communicate your value well during this call

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2. Relationship matters

As with anything related to humans, relationship matters.?

Focus on building that connection with the right recruiter. In all honesty, you don't need every recruiter to know you. Once you have found 3-5 good recruiters, focus on building connection with them.

Even when you are not looking for a role, if they reach out for an opportunity, take the call. You may decline the role but continue staying in touch

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3. Follow-up reasonably

You know I am a big fan of follow-ups. But there is a fine line between persistence and desperation.

Depending on what stage you are at with their open roles, I would follow up accordingly.

For eg. If you have finished a final interview then reaching out in 3-5 days to ask for decision makes sense. But if you have only had a screening call with them, then once in 1-2 months is better

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Now,?onto a couple of boundaries, you must set with your recruiters.

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1. CV control

Make it an explicit boundary that they need to ask you before forwarding your CV to a company since you are active in market.

Some recruiters may counter by asking you to list down the names of all companies you are interviewing with. Don't do that - you are making their BD list.

Just tell them that it will be much easier for them to check in with you.

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2. Do not come under pressure

Recruiters sometimes put pressure on the below areas. You don't need to do as you are told:

?- Interview next morning

- Accept the offer on the spot

- Take the very first offer without negotiation

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Hopefully, with these pointers, you will have a much more fruitful experience

Until next week!

Cheers,

Shub

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