Not all Recruiters are Created Equal

In a recent women's networking study group, I discovered (with shock) that recruiters often get a bad rap. WHAT?

Many myths surround the recruitment industry, from the notion that recruiters are just salespeople who don't care about candidates, to the belief that they only communicate when it suits them. This was madness for me to read as I've always tried to be the type of Recruiter that candidates could trust and look to for advice.

Today, I'm here to set the record straight. Here’s a look at what good recruiters actually do and five key traits to look for that distinguish the best in the field.

Don't be afraid to ask/ share what's on your mind

Understanding the Role of a Recruiter

Before we dive into what makes a good recruiter, it’s crucial to understand their role. Recruiters are essentially the bridge between a company looking to hire and a candidate seeking a new opportunity. Their job is not just about filling positions but about creating a perfect match that benefits both the employer and the employee. This process requires a deep understanding of the company's culture, the specifics of the job, and the career aspirations and skills of the candidate.

Common questions I get from talent is whether they should "lower their salary expectations" or "pay the recruiter" and the answer is no. The company that is searching normally pays a fee to the Recruiter once the placement has been made, so the cost is with the company. In all my years of experience as a Recruiter, I've never asked talent to lower their salary to cover client cost nor have companies asked me to search for a lowered salary due to their recruitment costs. Luckily, they have always agreed to pay fair market share once I educate them on market value.

What to Look for in a Good Recruiter

Here are five main things to look out for when you're dealing with a Recruiter who is genuinely invested in your success:

1. They Communicate Clearly and Regularly

A good recruiter keeps the lines of communication open. They inform you about where you stand in your job application process and provide constructive feedback, whether it’s positive or negative. They never ghost you on purpose.

Look for a recruiter who:

• Updates you regularly on the status of your application.

• Provides feedback from employers after interviews.

• Is accessible and responds to your calls/emails promptly, even when they don't have the answer.

What you can do to be pro-active:

• Follow up with recruiters, never feel like you're bothering them.

• Be clear with what you expect and need, they are not mind-readers.

2. They Have Done their Homework on the Company/ Industry

Not all Recruiters are "specialized" in specific industries but a lot of Recruiters are. Regardless, they must do the heavy-lifting and research the company/ industry in depth before they speak with you about the role. They won't know all the nuances and intricacies are each job description but they should know what the culture is like, who the key players are and what to expect on a day-to-day basis.

This allows them to:

• Advise you on crafting your resume to highlight the most sought-after skills.

• Prepare you for interviews by providing insights into what companies are really looking for.

• Help you understand the career trajectory you can expect in your chosen field.

What you can do to be pro-active:

• Prepare questions for the recruiter that are about culture, day-to-day responsibilities, what led to the hiring of this role?

• Separate the more technical questions for when you meet with the company.

3. They Are Committed to Building Relationships

The best recruiters are those who look to build long-term relationships rather than just fill an immediate vacancy.

They are:

• Interested in your career goals and personal growth.

• Keen to keep in touch even after you have been placed in a role, offering opportunities for further advancement.

• A valuable network contact who can introduce you to influencers within your industry.

What you can do to be pro-active:

• Send quick "hello" emails whether you are employed or unemployed, good to keep that relationship both ways.

• Keep them updated on any major career changes, maybe an opportunity came up that matches exactly what you're looking for.

4. They Act with Integrity

Integrity and trust is the cornerstone of any good recruiter’s ethos.

A trustworthy recruiter:

• Provides transparent information about job roles and companies.

• Does not withhold information that could influence your decision to accept a job offer.

• Is honest about the prospects and potential drawbacks of a position.

• They do what they say and follow through.

What you can do to be pro-active:

• Don't be afraid to ask/ share what's on your mind

• Ask lots of questions, if something doesn't feel like, dig for the answer!

5. They Respect Your Choices and Confidentiality

A professional recruiter respects your career choices and personal information. Personally, I love when talent tells me what's bothering them and what they don't like, I'm the first to decline the opportunity on their behalf! As a good recruiter, I'm invested in finding a good mutual match vs just making a match for the sake of it!

This includes:

• Respecting your decision if you choose to decline a job offer.

• Keeping your job search confidential to protect your current position.

• Understanding your career aspirations and not pushing you towards unsuitable roles.

What you can do to be pro-active:

• Be honest with how you're feeling about the job opportunity

• Don't just say, "no, thanks", tell the recruiter "why" so they can help you find a better opportunity

In debunking myths about recruiters, it’s clear that a good recruiter does far more than just match resumes with job descriptions. They play a crucial role in shaping the career path of candidates and the growth of companies. By understanding what to look for in a recruiter, both candidates and employers can ensure they partner with professionals who will add real value to their professional journeys.

Hopefully, this was an insightful read as it was shocking to me that not all Recruiters are created equal. You should be treated like a person with integrity, dignity and respect. Anything less is just plain unacceptable! Same goes with the company you are looking to join, or that relationship you are considering. Set that bar high and together, we can elevate the industry standard for all.