How to work with a recruitment consultant to maximise success - Top tips

Working with recruitment consultants is a key part of your job search strategy.

But many candidates are not clear on how to get the best out of the relationship.

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been asking our consultants to share their advice to job seekers who are keen to work with recruiters.

With many years of experience between them working across different sectors on permanent and contract roles, we think it’s pretty sound advice.
 

1)  Find a recruiter who specialises in your area

This is absolutely key.

Do your research and seek out recruiters who work, day in and day out, in your specific sector, placing people just like you.

• They will have great relationships with key people in the market, know what their priorities are and what skills are in demand.
• They will recognise and understand your skill set and show you how to demonstrate your experience and achievements.
• And, because they know your sector so well, they will have credibility and authority when talking to hiring managers.

At Boston Hale, our recruiters are all specialists with many years of sector experience. They have developed a reputation as experts, able to recognise good talent, filter for cultural fit and offer knowledgeable advice.

I’ve been working in the market for eight years and have probably worked with 90% of organisations over that time. Now, I’m known as the ‘go to’ expert in not-for-profit finance. Clients trust me to introduce excellent people, quickly, who will exceed their expectations.

Catherine Hegarty – Manager, Not-for-profit Finance
 

2)  Build a partnership with them

Like all partnerships, trust is the cornerstone of success.

The recruiter will ask plenty of questions to get to know you. Yes, they will want to find out about your skills and experience. But, they also want to get a sense of who you are, what’s important to you, your values and drivers.

Getting to know the person behind the CV is essential to understand whether the candidate’s values match the client. It’s more than just a list of qualifications and past experience.

Marie O’Driscoll – Senior Consultant - Procurement & Finance

If you’re job hunting, the likelihood is you will be applying for multiple jobs. It’s important to let your recruiter know where you are with other applications, and which you are most enthusiastic about, so that they can represent you properly.

If your status changes, for example if you’ve accepted another role, let your recruiter know straight away so they can quickly talk to other employers you’re in process with. It’s always best to be honest and straightforward.

Simon Taylor – Executive Director
 

3)  Share your job wish list

It’s crucial to inform your recruiter about the type of job you are looking for. What type of company, role, team, culture and projects suit? On a practical level, how about commute time, hybrid or remote working requirements, your right to work status.

What are you willing to compromise on? What are your red lines?

In the current climate, a lot of companies are keen to get their teams into the office more, sometimes for a full 5 days. If this is something that just won’t work for you, let your recruiter know. You can guarantee that we have already asked the question and know how much compromise the employer is willing to make.

David Pynor, Head of Data & Technology

Be as specific as possible about what you are looking for. Don’t just say ‘I’m flexible with anything’ unless you absolutely are. It always saves time in the long run if you can work out beforehand exactly what it is that you are looking for.

Amman Johal – Senior Consultant – Not-for-Profit Finance
 

4)  Listen to their advice

Once they’ve found out what you’re looking for, your recruitment consultant will talk to you about the market and where your skills fit. They can tell you what skills and experience are in demand, the type of employer hiring your skills and what day rate or salary you should be asking for. 

They may already have roles that you are suitable for – the ideal scenario!

The recruitment consultant will talk you through the role, answer any questions and ensure you are fully onboard before talking to the employer.

Listen carefully to your recruitment consultant. They know the employer and are likely to have had plenty of conversations with them about the role and what their requirements are for it. 

Simon Taylor - Executive Director
 

5)  Say yes to proactive introductions

A good recruiter will do what we do at Boston Hale - work with you to define what type of role and employer you’re targeting before proactively making enquiries and introductions.

Again, we won’t begin conversations before making sure you’re completely happy, and we will always be discreet.

Remember though, recruiters represent a lot of people! Build that relationship and try to stand out.

It is important to meet your recruitment consultant in person or on a video call. This will help to make you memorable and gives the recruiter the opportunity to get a real insight into your personality.

Catherine Hegarty – Manager, Not-for-profit Finance
 

6)  Reality check – high volumes of applications

Did you know that, on average, every job we post receives 85 applications? And some can generate over 500?

The reality is that it’s impossible to get back to every applicant with a personal response. If you feel you are perfect for the role, calling the recruiter after you’ve applied can help.

With so many applications, its often difficult to review them all. Be proactive and follow up with a call to the recruiter - you become more than just a CV.

But always make sure the job is for you first. If you are missing something on the essential list, bear in mind others are likely to tick that box.

David Pynor – Head of Data & Technology

More on how to focus your job search here
 

7)  Communicate through the recruitment process

Once you have been shortlisted, the recruiter will be working hard behind the scenes to secure interviews and position you as a stand-out candidate.

Managing the recruitment process involves a lot of juggling and chasing to co-ordinate interviews and gather feedback. The easier it is to communicate with you, the more likely you are to succeed.

Respond quickly to questions and requests for interviews and make yourself available for interviews. If you can’t get in front of the employer, there will be someone else who can.

Amman Johal – Senior Consultant, not-for-profit finance

If you’re not sure, ask! Communication is key. It’s always better to be open about anything you don’t understand.

Daniel Vinnikov, Consultant, Data & Technology

Are you ready to work successfully with your recruiter?

Today’s job market can be tough, even for the most experienced candidates.

Working with a specialist recruiter and building that partnership can help get you in front of more, relevant employers.

Finding the right recruitment consultant, who knows your sector inside out, will put you in a great position.

Understanding how to work together effectively will save you, and your recruiter, valuable time and help increase your chances of success.

 

If you've got skills and experience in our practice areas, get in touch with our team to find out how they can support your job search.

 

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