A credible recruiter takes you on a career exploration that hopefully leads to personal freedom and professional development. Before that exploration commences, that recruiter will ask the candidate some qualifying questions to better understand their current situation, educational background, work history, goals, ambitions, family life, etc. The answers to these screening questions will determine whether that candidate will proceed to a next step with the client or be passed into a pipeline for future roles & consideration. This candidate qualifying process is fundamental and sets the tone for future conversations.
This qualifying process works both ways, and candidates should be just as prudent in how they select a recruitment partner as recruiters are about which candidates they decide to work with. If you are not asking questions to better understand your recruiter to help you determine whether they are the right partner for your next career move, then this article is timely. You wouldn’t put your health in the hands of just anyone, and neither should you with your career. What you do as a profession consumes the vast majority of your waking hours, and choosing the right recruiter will not only make the career search more fulfilling and enjoyable, but in the end, you’ll know that you landed with the right company. Afterall, this is about your family, your career, your professional development, and your quality of life.
Before deciding whether to partner with that recruiter, please consider asking them the following questions (in no particular order of priority):
- Does your agency have experience placing candidates with my skill set or in my field?
Understand the niche they serve and have had success placing professionals in. Recruiters who have spread themselves thin across multiple fields are seasonal & engage in transactional behaviour that will not bring any benefit to your search. - What is your turnaround time for providing feedback after a client interview?
Understand their process and make sure they’ve established realistic expectations with you about how this process will play out and what you can expect from them. If they are unable to provide a specific timeline for feedback and/or next steps, then it’s likely that they have little traction with their clients (which will inevitably lead to them ghosting you). - I know you technically work for your client, but what is your approach to working with candidates as it relates to preparing them for the interview process?
Understand their process of candidate preparation for interviews and the steps they will take to ensure your success in conversations with the client. A recruiter who has a good relationship with their client will be able to provide valuable insight that should position you to succeed. - What made you get into recruitment and what do you enjoy the most about your profession?
What makes them tick? What drives them? What do they value? This may not sway your decision one way or the other, but it will give you clues into who they are, which will ultimately lend some foresight into future behaviour. - Has the position you’ve call me about received budgetary approval and how quickly are they looking to fill the position?
Qualify the legitimacy of the position they’ve called you about. Is the position in question a real & priority need for their client or is the recruiter merely looking to beef up their own internal database? - What are your normal working hours?
Do they hold to a typical 9-5 schedule or are they available outside of regular working hours? What about on weekends? In this era of work-life balance, this question could be controversial, and I’m not suggesting that a recruiter who works according to a regular schedule is not a credible one. Recruitment is however one of those rare professions that affords you a certain life based on your level of commitment to it. A good recruiter is typically always available or will do their best to respond to important matters when it’s necessary.
Recruiters/Agencies are a dime a dozen, but a Recruiter who respects his craft is resilient, understands his purpose, and isn’t afraid to hold hiring authorities & candidates accountable. Whether you are an active job seeker or a passive candidate looking to take a leap into the market, make your decision wisely and do what is best for your career by choosing the right Recruiter. Be prepared for that next conversation & I wish you the best in your pursuit of greatness!