How do you effectively communicate with a recruiter?

Searching for a new job can be made easier with the help of an experienced and knowledgeable recruiter. It’s not job-hunting on autopilot, however. Your success with recruiters depends upon a solid foundation of communication about essential components of your job search. So, how do you communicate with your recruiter in a manner conducive to a successful job hunt? Read on to find out!

Reach out

Get in touch via available platforms

You can find recruiters on all sorts of platforms ranging from professional networks to social media sites, as well as their existing channels for recruitment efforts like a website. Recruiters know that their job is a highly people-oriented one, which means that they’re likely to be interested in a candidate that they can vet themselves on an initial basis. That’s why over 93% of recruiters use social media as a platform for their work, as noted by the Undercover Recruiter, making sites like Facebook, Linkedin, or even Twitter a place to find a recruiter and get in contact with them.

Show you value their time, too

Once you’ve reached out to a recruiter, make sure they know you respect their time and boundaries, as well. A recruiter will generally be very brief when first talking to you; they have a lot on their plate and need to make time for a lot of people ranging from the company they might contract with and their job-seeking clients. So, always make sure to show your appreciation for reaching out, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

Make a real connection

Recruiters are people, too

Part of what sets you apart from other candidates is your recruiter’s impression of you as a person. Showing an enthusiastic and personable side to a recruiter makes them more interested in you as both a candidate and another human being. When talking to a recruiter, mention your career goals, accomplishments, and interest in a given position or company. You can also bring up commonalities, like shared previous experience or education.

Avoid being overbearing

That being said, try not to take it too far. A recruiter will not appreciate you interacting with them excessively on social media, calling without an important reason, or otherwise being pushy can often signal a red flag, which is definitely not a place you want to be. Limit your interaction to a pleasant minimum, calling when you have a question or something new that may help your job hunt, and letting them mostly be until they get in touch with you.

Be honest

Recruiters are on your side

It’s important to remember that a recruiter is looking out for you. That’s why being honest and clear about your work history, for better or worse, is the best thing you can do with a recruiter. Their job is to match you with a position that you’ll thrive in, and knowing your work history is the best way they can do that. Withholding information or even lying to a recruiter can only hurt your chances at a position.

Companies catch on

Even if you do succeed in spinning a weave about your past to a recruiter, and end up getting an interview or other sign of interest from an employer, red flags will go up once a company catches on that you weren’t telling the whole truth. Also, recruiters are more keen than you might think; lies or missing info about your salary, the reason you left your last position, and more are things recruiters are trained to catch onto, and they’re not inclined to polish your story up on your behalf when making your case to an employer.

Give them plenty to work with

References and resumes, oh my!

A recruiter is doing a lot of hard work for you, so you’re better off at getting the position of your dreams if you give them a little hand in the process. Simple things, like a revamped resume in the chronological format and a list of quality references work wonders for a recruiter trying to land you a position.

Portfolios are a plus

In construction recruiting, examples of previous work are even more compelling than a simple resume. Among the other material you give a recruiter, consider a portfolio or project list, which help give them a solid idea of what you previous work experience has been like and concrete evidence of your aptitude. Your recruiter will appreciate it.

During a construction job search, a recruiter can be one of your most invaluable partners. But it takes two to make a team, which is why open and effective communication is a must. With these tips, you’ll be able to establish a productive rapport with your recruiter, and land the construction job of your dreams!

Diamond Peak Recruiting has job opportunities across the country. Click here to have a recruiter help you with your next career step.