Recruiters are not only a means to access the opportunities on their books. They also deal with hiring managers on a day to day basis which makes them a great resource for knowing how to impress them. However, recruiters famously get a bad rap which can make people cautious about engaging with them. So how do you find the best recruiter for you?

Like any industry there are occasionally individuals and agencies who value commission over candidates. These recruiters are best avoided, and fortunately, you’ll be able to identify them pretty quickly. The same is true for finding the right recruiter for you (like us lot at RecruitmentJunky – just sayin’!). 

How well do they know you?

You’ll be able to tell if they don’t have your best interests at heart if they don’t invest the time in getting to know you during your initial conversations. They’ll not be able to place you in a suitable role if they don’t know what makes you tick – and be honest about what you’re looking for. If you don’t want to working in a particular role or sector, tell them. It’ll save everyone time.

How well do they know the role?

If they’re presenting an opportunity to you, how well do they know the role and the business? The right recruiter makes it their business to know the role and the organisation inside out.

Ask questions to determine if you’d be a good fit for the position, the business and the culture. If they can’t offer any insight beyond reading the business’ mission and values off the website, you probably want to be having that discussion elsewhere.

Are they available to support you?

Recruiters spend a huge part of their professional lives looking over CVs and cover letters. They know the difference between a good and a bad one. If you want a second opinion on yours, they’re a good person to ask.

Additionally, any recruiter willing to spend 20 minutes running through some mock interviews with you and providing feedback is investing time into getting you your next role. Use them as a sounding board and to build your confidence in preparing for the real thing.

Found yourself out of work for the first time in a long time? We’ve launched the #GetHired Skills Toolkit as a simple and actionable step by step guide to secure your next role. Access the full kit here. Ready to take the next step? View the next chapter in our #GetHired Skills Toolkit.