5 Tips on Working with a Recruiter

Recruiters are the gatekeeper to the interviewer and the guide through the job process. Here are five things job seekers should do:

Respond to calls promptly. The hiring manager is likely breathing down my neck to get answers, so the longer you take, the worse we all look. And the manager will often like best the candidates who seem most interested. Being busy is not an excuse to delay responding — I often have productive 60 second conversations with candidates!
Explain to me your interest level and skill set. I am your advocate, and I do not want to oversell or undersell you. If you have spot-on experience and great war stories, tell me so I can share with the hiring manager.
Give me your timeline, especially if you have other offers. I can expedite the process for strong candidates. I can also explain nicely to the employer what you need to accept (base numbers that you are getting from another employer and would like matched, X weeks for you to give notice, relocation requirements, etc.).
Show me that you are a consummate professional (i.e., smart, competent, diplomatic, kind) in ALL of our interactions. If you treat me poorly or respond in a disorganized way, those impressions will stay with me. The hiring manager always asks me how I rank order candidates and who I think will work best on the team, and your interactions with me definitely matter.
Take to heart my suggestions on presentation, resume, and interviewing style. My skills are based on thousands of data points on what works and what does not.