Help wanted: Working with recruiters and search firms

If you’re an experienced professional and you’re looking to leverage the assistance of a professional recruiter and/or search firm, Deloitte Transition Assistance Manager Mark Zoeller, Deloitte Services LP, has some insight to share.

Question: For a seasoned professional, what is one of the first things I should do if I want to start working with a recruiter or search firm to help me identify new opportunities?

Answer: After you’ve identified a recruiter and/or specific search agency, review their background and history.

• How long have they been in business?
• What is their typical job search process for candidates?
• Are there specific areas or industries in which they specialize?

It’s important that you take the time to understand if the recruiter or search firm has a high success rate in placing candidates and if they would be a good advocate for you overall.

If the contact or recruiter hesitates answering any of these questions, it’s a possible sign that it’s not the right match for you and to keep looking. Another warning sign is if the search firm asks for you to pay for anything. Job seekers should not have to pay to find a job.

Question: Once an experienced professional has identified a recruiter and search firm, what’s the next step?

Answer: Once you are comfortable and opportunities are being presented to you by the recruiter, it’s important for you to control where your resume and information are being sent or shared for a few reasons:

1. Recruiters are often reluctant to reveal names of companies. However, as a candidate you should consider letting the recruiter know if your resume is already with this company or if you’ve already participated in the recruiting process so your resume does not get sent to a particular company again.
2. It’s a good idea to have a live conversation with the recruiter before he or she submits your resume. It’s important you have the name of the client and at least a high level understanding of the position.
3. Discussing with the recruiter where you would like your resume shared allows you to maintain control over the opportunities that you feel would best fit your needs. After all, no one knows your skills, strengths, or experiences better than you.

Question: As you start to see the opportunities coming in, is there something you can do to keep the opportunities flowing or the process going?

Answer: There are a few things you can do, which are:

1. Set realistic expectations for your job search and hold the recruiter with whom you are working accountable. It takes time to find the right fit for an experienced professional so you should not expect to conclude your job search in a week or two.
2. Make sure you are as prepared and ready for a job interview as possible. If you have some questions about the position you need clarified, don’t be afraid to ask the recruiter.
3. Diving deeper into the interview, you should consider having several questions lined up to pose to the hiring manager during the interview. Again, don’t be afraid to ask probing questions as they will likely help unearth more insight into the role than you might anticipate.
4. In addition to working with a professional recruiter and/or search firm, don’t forget you have a powerful job search tool already—your personal and professional network.

Working with professional recruiters or search firms may help you find the role that is tailor made for you. Consider recruiters and search firms as another tool in your job search toolkit and good luck!

Read more recruiting tips.