What Makes a Great Recruiter? The 5 Qualities You Need in a Job Search Partner
Searching for a job can be daunting and time-consuming. There’s the search itself, the application process, including a customized resume and cover letter, and then, if you’re lucky, maybe an interview and job offer. But navigating the whole process on your own can be challenging. That’s why many job seekers turn to a recruiter.
With a recruiter, you get a guide who can match you with jobs that fit your skills, experience, and goals. Whether you’re looking to re-enter the workforce, change careers, or find a new job opportunity to gain experience, working with a qualified recruiter offers lots of benefits.
But what makes someone a great recruiter? How do you know if you can trust the person helping you through the job search process? The truth is, there are some not-so-great recruiters out there. So, when you’re considering who to partner with on your next job search, look for a recruiter with these five qualities.
1. Genuine
You deserve a job search partner who takes the time to get to know you and what you’re looking for. Does the recruiter understand your job needs and career goals? Do they understand what you actually do? To find a genuine recruiter who understands your work experience and what you’re seeking in a job, it’s best to partner with a recruiter who specializes in your industry. For example, if you’re a technology professional with a background in cybersecurity, you’ll want to work with an IT recruiter who knows what your work entails.
Partnering with a recruiter who knows your industry and genuinely understands what you do will give you access to job opportunities that are a good fit. Recruiters can also help connect you with jobs that are hard to find and might not be posted on job boards. Using your recruiter’s network and knowledge, you’ll have more job options to apply to and a better chance of finding the job that’s right for you.
2. Responsive
Communication is a crucial skill in most work environments and communicating with a recruiter is no exception. You want a job search partner who is responsive and follows up with you in a timely manner. After all, recruiters are the crucial connection between employers and job seekers. Great opportunities don’t stay open for long. That’s why you need a recruiter who can keep up with the latest jobs and alert you quickly when positions are a match.
When evaluating a potential recruiter, consider both their written and verbal communication styles. Are they good at communicating via phone and email? Do they provide regular updates throughout the recruitment process? Do their communication preferences align well with your own? Listening skills are another important piece of recruiter and candidate communication. Does the recruiter really listen? Are they answering your questions or telling you what they think you want to hear?
Effective communication is important for job search success, so be sure you’re working with a responsive recruiter before you begin your search.
3. Experienced
The next quality to look for in your recruiter is experience. Do they have specialized knowledge of the job you’re looking for? At KORE1, our recruiters bring years of experience to their roles. They understand how to match candidates with the right jobs because they’ve been in those roles themselves and they know what it takes to succeed.
An experienced recruiter will also have a complete understanding of the application process so that they’re able to guide job seekers through the process effectively. This means your recruiter should be organized, skilled at multitasking, and confident in their ability to find and connect you with great job opportunities. An exceptional and experienced recruiter will have high standards for themselves and their work. There’s no reason you shouldn’t expect the same.
4. Advisor
Almost every recruiter will be able to help you find and apply to jobs. That’s the easy part. But great recruiters go beyond simply matching candidates with open jobs. Instead, they act as an advisor, providing guidance and support from application to job offer. How can you ensure your recruiter is a true career advisor?
Beyond the qualities we’ve already covered, a great recruiter will consult with you at each step of the job search process. With their understanding of the hiring process and crucial insight into what companies are really looking for, a recruiter should be able to offer advice on positioning yourself as a candidate and help you present your best self during the interview. They’ll also be there to support you during the job offer, negotiating with the company if necessary and ensuring the job is really the right fit for you.
5. Transparent
The final quality you need in a job search partner is transparency. The best recruiters will help you understand the entire process and what to expect at each step. They communicate clearly and provide honest feedback so that you can adjust and improve. If your recruiter isn’t giving you the full picture or providing the information you’re looking for, this could be a sign they aren’t putting your best interests above their own need to fill open positions. And that isn’t the kind of recruiter you want to work with when you’re looking for job opportunities to build your career.
Did you know that KORE1 is G.R.E.A.T. Recruiters Certified? This means we’re committed to transparency and providing a great experience for our job seekers and placed candidates. Check out all of our recruiter reviews, then reach out to get started with one of our G.R.E.A.T. recruiters today!
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