How to build a relationship with recruiters

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By Sophie Randles, Head of Practice, Rutherford Cross

19 April 2018

In today’s fast paced business climate, it’s tempting to skip the rapport-building phase with your recruiter, however, the initial meet and time invested in the relationship thereafter is fundamental.

Establishing this relationship early is hugely beneficial, you will gain a confidant and a trusted advisor who can not only provide valuable information on current market trends but advise and direct you through those all-important career changing decisions.

To help you, the newly qualified community, build a relationship with your recruiter I thought you might benefit from a few top tips on how to best represent yourself when meeting with recruiters, and how best to differentiate your experience in what can only be described as a competitive market place.

Top tips

Tip 1 - Time to impress

Come prepared. Before meeting a recruiter note down reasons why you are beginning your search – what is motivating you to want to make a change and what is missing from your current role. In turn, we come prepared to discuss the market and assist you with representing yourself in the best possible way. To do that effectively it is important to be prepared with the below:

• Comprehensive CV.
• Key achievements in each of your roles.
• Able to discuss through motivations/decision making.
• Thoughts on aspirations/what your next move will look like.
• Describe the sectors/cultures and types of organisations you aspire to work with.
• Timescales on how quickly you want to make the move.
• Questions for us.

Tip 2 - Transparency

This may seem simple however, being completely upfront about what you want throughout the process is essential to ensuring a successful relationship and that the correct role is sourced for you. Building a relationship based on trust will allow your recruiter to represent you in the best possible way and match you with the right role and organisation first time round.

Tip 3 – Communication / Action Plan

Communication is key in everything we do. Agree an action plan with your recruiter and stick to time frames. Advising on any changes or developments during the process is crucial, as sometimes, something that seems quite insignificant can have an impact further down the line.

Tip 4 - Build a lasting relationship

You want to make sure you are the first to hear about the latest opportunities in the market. A strong relationship with a trusted recruiter will likely continue through both of your careers and can be invaluable at times when faced with career changing decisions. Taking time to attend industry networking events can help strengthen your relationship with your recruiter and keep you informed in the market.

Tip 5 – Welcoming feedback

You can’t win them all. The best candidates embrace constructive feedback and by doing so become more self-aware of their strengths and development points. This will enable you to improve for next time and give you confidence to highlight the areas in which you naturally excel. Feedback is always helpful - listen, seek clarity, quantify opinion and don’t shoot the messenger.