Whether you are newly unemployed or have been out in the job market for a while, you may have questions about the recruitment process. Here are some of the most common questions and answers.
What should I expect from a recruiter?
From the start - confidentiality. We will protect your situation with the same diligence we protect our clients’ information. In some cases searches are confidential on the client’s part, so in rare cases the name of the client cannot be divulged. The name of the client, its location, and a full job description are mandatory once a phone screening or face-to-face meeting has been arranged. Once a phone screening or face-to-face meeting has been set up you should then expect all the client information including, culture, interview tempo/style, hiring manager’s name and any additional information the recruiter is able to share about the position. In some cases, even we may be working with a limited amount of information.
When will I be contacted about a job if you have nothing for me?
As soon as something comes up that is within your parameters for skill set and salary range. Most of the time contact will be through email, so it’s important to keep an active, valid email address. Typically we’ll send over a brief position overview with general location. If you have an interest we’ll request that you respond with your updated information, followed by a phone call for further discussion.
What if I’m called by two recruiters about the same job?
Ask yourself - Who do you have the relationship with? Who called you first? Or who has given you the best information on the job? If a recruiter has a solid relationship with the client they may be the better source. The better the understanding the recruiter has of the position the better the recruiter can represent you. The recruiter with more company/position knowledge is the one who has a better working relationship with the hiring manager.
How do I work with my recruiter during the process?
Be HONEST about where you are in the process with other companies. Don’t hide things from the recruiter thinking you’ll hurt your chances for the opening they called you about. The recruiter’s job is to guide you in the process and to act as your business partner.
What about counter offers?
Nine times out of ten the counter offer results in job loss. Why? There are two main reasons for this. Once your company knows you were looking then they consider you to be less than 100% committed to them, therefore they become much less committed to you – this may even lead to them beginning to ease you out of your position and to replace you. The second reason really lies with you - ask yourself why were you looking in the first place? If you were dissatisfied with your boss, your promotion opportunities, lack of training, management problems etc., more money is not going to alleviate that dissatisfaction. Literally 72% of the people who take counter offers leave their company within 180 days of accepting the counter office. In other words you are only putting off the inevitable.
How many times should I contact my recruiter?
Check in from time to time, depending on the process. If you are in interview process it could be as often as once a day.