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The things your recruiter needs to know about you
7 min read | Chris Dottie | Article | Job searching | Interview advice
A recruiter can be a huge help in finding your perfect role, but they need to know what you are looking for. Here are four key elements to consider and communicate to your recruiter.
Building a fruitful, long-lasting relationship with your recruiter is important for your long-term career aspirations. A good recruiter can assist with the job search itself. They can also help you understand what roles are right for you, speak to companies and hiring managers on your behalf and give you the advice you need. However, a recruiter can only match you with the perfect opportunities if they have a true understanding of your career aims.
For more personalised expert advice on anything career and job search related, contact your local consultant.
To successfully help you compete for your ideal roles, a recruiter needs to know certain key things about you. The main focus of the client-recruiter relationship is to help you fulfil your career goals. That means understanding those goals - everything from your ideal job description, dream working environment, to practicalities like salary, location and commute-time.
Clear, frank and open guidance from you can help a recruiter identify the opportunities that will excite you.
So, let’s tackle that question: what does your recruiter need to know about you?
1. Why you are looking for a new opportunity
There are many reasons you could be looking to move on from your current role. Maybe you dislike the culture, the lack of progression opportunities, your boss’s management style, or aspects of the role itself. Whatever the cause, you should relay this information in a positive and professional way. For example, instead of saying “I can’t stand my boss. They hover over me every second of the day” instead, you could explain that you prefer more autonomy in your role.
The recruiter will keep this information confidential, using it only to eliminate unsuitable roles that they may have otherwise offered to you.
2. Your ideal job description
What would your ideal job description look like? I would advise that you factor in the following considerations:
3. Your ideal company
Everyone has a different definition of a great place to work. Your idea will be unique to you. However, you should consider certain aspects when constructing your criteria for the ideal work environment:
Maybe you already have some companies in mind? If not, do some research based on the above criteria, and take this list to your recruiter. They may be able to approach these companies speculatively and keep an eye out for suitable roles.
4. Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
With all of the elements above clear in your mind, it’s time to separate the essentials from the perks. Highlight the aspects you could compromise on, so that your recruiter knows not to pass on a promising opportunity, just because it wasn’t 100 percent perfect.
Imagine jumping into a taxi and saying “take me anywhere please.” You may not like where you end up. Equally, though we appreciate flexibility, if you don’t guide your recruiter then we can’t get you to the right destination.
Be honest, specific, and constructive. From the very first meeting onwards, ensure that you keep communication with your recruiter regular and open. Update them on your key criteria for the perfect opportunity, especially if it changes. This is essential to building an effective relationship that ensures you can compete for the roles you really want.
About to start your job search? Reading our job searching tips will help ensure it’s a success.
Chris Dottie MBE, Managing Director, Hays Spain
Chris joined Hays in 1996, working in the UK and Portugal before arriving in Spain in 2002. He is Managing Director for the Hays group in Spain, with offices located in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Seville.
He has a degree in International Business and Modern Languages from Aston University, including a year’s study at l’École Superieur de Sciences Commerciales d’Angers and has since completed Executive Education courses at Ashridge Business School and IMD. He is a regular public commentator on the world of work and international trade.
For the past four years Chris has served as President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain and currently serves as a Non Executive Director on the Board of the British Chambers of Commerce. Chris was awarded an MBE for services to British business on the New Years Honours List in 2020.