5 Secrets to Working with Recruiters

I recently attended a private reception at the NAPABA conference in DC, where GCs and rising stars asked leading recruiters about how we work. Here are 5 takeaways you might not know:

1. We record how you treat us and how you present yourself in a file that lives forever. Clients expressly ask for our written impression of you, so be your best self in all your interactions with us.
2. Cultivate a long-term relationship with us, and we will reach out with new job opportunities and will share what information we can. When you refer great people to us, we appreciate it and are impressed.
3. Do not check in too often or harass us. If you think you (or a friend) is perfect for a job, let us know! If we do not proceed, you can certainly ask why (we will reveal what we can, especially if you have cultivated a great relationship with us). But do not harass us – that shows poor people skills and will go in the file (see #1). Each time you follow up, try to include new information like you received a promotion or award or closed a significant matter.
4. We can help with the compensation negotiation. We know our clients and how they make offers, so we can guide you along the way. You should present facts and figures, like how much equity you are leaving behind or the range of other offers you have received. Be reasonable in your ask. For example, compensation of public company officers is publicly available, and you are unlikely to make more than the CFO.
5. Companies often have an internal candidate in mind before they engage us (what kind of succession planning would they have if they didn’t?), but our search is not a charade. Our clients want to get the best person for the job.