If you want to expand your network, whether you are active on the job market, or want to be top of mind when a good position surfaces, building a partnership with a recruiter, especially in IT, is an important arrow in your quiver. Connecting to recruiters has become quite easy. The onset of LinkedIn and all things digital makes finding and reaching out a pretty simple task.
When you meet the right recruiter, you’ll know it, and it can be a game-changer in opening up new career opportunities.
Here’s some advice on nurturing a strong relationship with an IT recruiter that can follow you throughout your career.
Do the prep-work to stand out to IT recruiters
Things move quickly and the more prepared you are, the faster a recruiter can start sharing your profile and your credentials with prospective employers. This means:
Tailor your resume
- Start with a base of your credentials and capabilities and build out targeted resumes for the roles you want.
- This includes using the right keywords that align with job descriptions and using quantifiable language that shows results. One important piece of advice is to use action-oriented verbs that demonstrate your achievements and how they garnered positive results.
- Here is an example of how you can phrase your accomplishment with more impact:
- Upgraded SAP system to ECC6, increasing productivity by 30%
- Reduced 7% of forecasted spending through negotiation of lump sum contracts with vendors
- Successfully launched multi-department $4million project using SCRUM implementation
Here is a great resume resource with tips to get started. You can also Download this Resume Guide to build an effective tech resume.
Refine your online presence
- Did you ever Google yourself and see where you show up online? Do it! And do it frequently so that you can make corrections.
- Scour your social media. Update photos and contact information, and configure privacy settings. Keep things professional. Remember, 67% of employers said they use social media to search for potential candidates.
- Be where recruiters can find you by optimizing the right social platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub, especially for tech.
Create a Job Search Plan
- Outline your must-haves, the non-negotiables and preferences for the job you will take. If you will only accept a certain salary, it is important to clearly communicate that. Recruiters will know if there is room for negotiation with hiring companies, but if there is no wiggle room and you get to the offer stage knowing it’s a non-starter, it’s best to have not exhausted that energy. That also goes for flexibility, in terms of remote work options and acceptable commute time.
- Keep a running list of where you have applied and interviewed. If your application has already been submitted to an open job post, the recruiter may go through different channels to reach hiring managers, but they don’t want you or them to be in a position of re-submitting your resume and appear uninformed. Same goes for letting them know if you are working with other recruiting agencies. This transparency is helpful in building the relationship.
Which brings us to the next point: seeing the recruiter as a career ally.
Treat Your Recruiter Like a Partner
The recruiter should not be viewed as a means to an end, because a good relationship with an IT recruiter can follow you through your career. To build this kind of lasting relationship in the business world, be sure to:
Communicate
- Create a regular cadence of contact and be mindful to be prompt when something arises. Recruiters work on contingency so they are actively seeking out opportunities for you. When time is of the essence, respond accordingly.
Ask for (the right) advice
- A recruiter has a wealth of information to share with you on your job search and how to effectively position yourself to potential employers.
- You can also ask questions about the role, how to prepare for interviews, and what the hot buttons are with hiring managers. A recruiter will not however share information on other candidates, especially as the selection field is narrowed, so refrain from asking. It’s also important to think long-term so your relationship can grow. If you are placed successfully, keep your recruiter informed of important updates.
Be intentional with selecting recruiters
- It’s not quantity, it’s quality so working with 2-3 reputable firms in your job search is good practice. Clients don’t want duplicate submissions for the same candidate from many different recruiters.
Taking these steps to put your best foot forward will set the stage for your partnerships in your job search. Dedicated recruiters will lead with transparency and will be in it for the long-haul relationship with current and future candidates. Once you have established a partnership with a reputable and knowledgeable recruiter, your access to opportunities expand, and this professional relationship can be a winning boost towards a successful career.
