What Not to Do When Working with a Recruiter

Are you searching for the most effective way to work with a recruiter? Or maybe you want to know what you should avoid when working with them? Unfortunately, recruiters often receive criticism for disappearing on job seekers or not prioritizing their best interests. However, this is not true for the majority of recruiters. Instead, candidates can sometimes create problematic situations that can be avoided with the right approach.

Let's talk about some things you should avoid doing if you are a candidate working with a recruiter. By following these tips, you can establish a good relationship with the recruiter, which can be beneficial for you in the long run.

1. Don’t call recruiters without leaving voicemails.?When contacting a recruiter, it's best to leave a voicemail or send an email. This way, you won't need to make multiple calls. Leaving a message allows the recruiter to set aside dedicated time and give you the attention you need to answer your questions and provide you with the appropriate assistance.
2. Don’t lie about your experience or employment dates.?It's important to be honest on your job application. Falsifying information may not only cost you your job but can also make everyone's job more difficult. There have been cases where interviews went well, and the candidate got the job, but then it turned out that the employment dates provided were wrong. In such cases, the hiring manager's hands are tied, and they can't help the candidate who provided false information. Being honest about your experience is more important than exaggerating it. Remember, if you get caught in a lie about your employment dates, you have just lost the opportunity for the job.
3. Don’t withhold information.?It is important to communicate any scheduled time off to your recruiter and the company you are interviewing with ahead of time. This will allow them to work things out and make the training process as smooth as possible. If you fail to do so, it may show a lack of respect towards your employer and cause you to lose your job opportunity. Even if the time off is not a problem, not communicating can make it difficult for the company to adjust its plans accordingly.
4. Don’t not listen to interviewing advice.?Recruiters provide interview preps and tips for a reason. One reason is that they understand their client's needs. Some interviewers have a unique style or specific pet peeves that can be communicated and avoided if you utilize your recruiter's advice. Regardless of your age or experience, every interview is distinct, and if you can gain insight into how the interview will be conducted, it will only be advantageous to you!
5. Don’t not call your recruiter back. If you are no longer interested in a job opportunity, please inform your recruiter. It is always better to decline an offer before accepting it than to back out later, which can be a waste of time and resources for everyone involved. Rest assured, it is not going to hurt our feelings if you decide not to pursue the position.
6. Don’t email a recruiter without a subject line.?There is an overwhelming amount of spam emails out there that can make any email look unprofessional. As a recruiter, I may not know you yet, where you have found my contact information, or what specific reason you may be reaching out to me. Most recruiters can be hesitant to click on any links or downloads that could potentially harm their computer.
7. Don’t forget to read everything you sign.?Make sure to take your time and read through contracts and any onboarding paperwork. Don't just read it and forget about it, truly understand what you are signing onto. Ask your recruiter to clarify any questions upfront before signing paperwork so you fully know what the details of your contract may be!
8. Don’t work with multiple recruiters or agencies for the same position.? Just because recruiters work for different staffing agencies, it does not guarantee you a better chance of getting the job. In fact, it may have the opposite effect. Think about it from the client's perspective, and how it may appear if they receive multiple submissions from different agencies. I have seen instances where a candidate is submitted by multiple agencies and as a result, they end up losing the opportunity altogether.

Please keep in mind the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. It's important to avoid "ghosting" or calling someone off the hook, as this will not help you succeed in life. If you want a smooth and professional process, it's crucial to present yourself in a professional manner. Remember these basic tips when working with a recruiter and you'll be sure to land your dream job in no time.