How Is Your Relationship With Your Recruiter?

I placed 2 candidates this past week. Not a surprise – we are supply chain recruiters after all. However, what was unique is that my first interaction with one of those candidates was 11 years ago and the other 12 years ago. 

Different candidates reach out to recruiters for different reasons. In some instances, they simply need a job because their role was eliminated, they don’t like their boss, they don’t like their commute or a variety of other reasons. However, when they are gainfully employed, they don’t want to hear from us. In other instances, they want a longer-term relationship that may include networking and career advice.

When many of us think of relationships, we often think first of our spouse. Beyond that, think of all of the other relationships you may have: priest or rabbi, accountant, financial advisor, lawyer, banker, etc. These are people you tend to share intimate details, future aspirations, and challenges with. 

Well, how about adding a recruiter to your list? A VP of Operations that I have a ton of respect for once told me he averages 180 networking interactions per year. Prior to the pandemic, many of these were simply a cup of coffee to help mentor somebody, share insights, make an introduction, etc. As busy as this guy is (and trust me, he is flat out), he makes a point to network all the time. When I asked him why, he shared that if he waited to network until he needed to, it would be too late! 

I can’t tell you how frequently I hear a similar sentiment from a candidate, but, unfortunately, it’s in reverse, meaning they didn’t do any of the networking and now are in need. Don’t get me wrong, we are happy to take a qualified candidate’s call that just wants his/her next job. But if that is all you are seeking, you are missing out. 

You see, as a recruiter specializing in supply chain planning, I interviewed 1,670 people last year. Beyond what they are doing in their current job and their future aspirations, we discuss what they like / don’t like about their current company or position, what advanced planning tools they are using and how well they work, we offer suggestions (some may call this tough love) on their interviewing ability, and help them benchmark against other options out there. I can think of at least two dozen instances when we helped candidates negotiate offers even though they were actually working with somebody else on the opportunity. I’ve put candidates that are evaluating different software options in touch with other candidates that will give them the real story. Based upon their previous experience and future goals, we’ve helped open the eyes of candidates to what experience they need to ensure future success.

All of this because of the relationship we have, not a transaction. I’m not saying we are the right recruiter for you, and I’m not saying you should only interact with one recruiter, but I am saying that if you have aspirations of advancing and don’t have a good relationship with a recruiter that “specializes” in your field and is willing to look out for you, you are absolutely selling yourself short.

Jason Breault is the Managing Director of LifeWork Search, a management recruiting organization specializing in Supply Chain Planning.