When it comes to the relationship between a recruiter and a candidate, there is often the misconception that it is the sole responsibility of the recruiter to build a relationship with the candidate. However, considering the recruiter is doing a lot of work to help you secure a role, it makes sense to nurture the relationship. When you have a good relationship, you are more likely to secure work and gain useful feedback to help with future endeavours. These are some ways to help build a relationship with your recruiter.
Connect on LinkedIn
Recruiters are supporting you with your job search, so why not support them back? Connect with them on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. Not only will this help them, but it will keep you at the forefront of their mind when opportunities arise. If they update their LinkedIn with current roles, it also gives you the chance to keep on top of the market.
Answer your Phone
We live in a strange time where people are frightened to answer their phones - with 90% of Gen Z admitting to feeling anxious about answering a call. If you want to maintain a good relationship with your recruiter, answer their calls. They may have an urgent role to discuss with you and might move on to the next candidate if you don’t pick up. Recruiters often don’t have the time to wait for responses to emails, they may need to speak to you straight away. You might be missing out on some great opportunities, just by refusing to pick up! As our Managing Director, Margaret George nicely puts it:
"Your future career might be calling, but if you keep sending it to voicemail, don’t be surprised if it stops trying."
Stay in Touch
Recruiters are often working on multiple roles at the same time, which means they also have a high volume of candidates to manage. They may not be able to stay in touch with you as often as you would like, but there is no harm in reaching out to them from time to time. Ask them about the current market and update them on your work situation. Again, it is a good way to keep you at the forefront of their mind.
Be Honest
If you have been invited to attend an interview for a role, and you don’t want to go, it might feel like the best course of action is to switch your phone off and hide away. Doing this, not only lets your recruiter down, but it can also affect your ability to secure work with them in the future. If you don’t want to attend an interview, be honest about the reasons why. The recruiter will be able to note your reasons for the and will consider these when they have future opportunities. If you just don’t turn up, you are leaving the recruiter with an angry client, and perhaps a risk of losing the client completely. Honesty is always the best policy.
Support
If you hear about companies that use agencies and might be useful to your recruiter, let them know. Working together and supporting each other can be much more fruitful.
If you want to find out about our current opportunities, you can contact us and we will connect you with a recruitment consultant to help you on your career journey.