You should know that working with a recruiter is a great way to get the job you want. But you might not know that there are many other ways to leverage the recruiting experience to get the most out of the partnership. We have put together some tips that will help you get the most out of the jobseeker/recruiter relationship.

Be Transparent: There are some questions people seem hesitant to answer, but recruiters need this information to help you find your next career opportunity. For example, a recruiter might ask why you want to leave your job (or why you already left). Being 100% transparent is important so they can understand your needs – what worked and what didn’t – so they can place in an opportunity that better aligns with your career goals and growth. Transparency is also important when it comes to compensation. Being honest about your previous salary as well as your expectations for a new role will help your recruiter find you the right job with the right pay.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Communicating regularly with your recruiter helps keep you at the forefront of their mind for future opportunities. You can maintain your relationship with your recruiter by checking in, keeping them updated on any changes with your current situation, or any updates to your resume such as gaining new skills.

Be Flexible and Available: Flexibility is key during a job search. Sometimes you may be asked for an interview within short notice, so it is important to available during regular business hours when most employers want to schedule interviews. We know this can sometimes be challenging if you still have a full-time role but be creative and find ways to work around it. Perhaps you can accommodate a lunchtime interview or take a half day off.

Be Prepared: If your recruiter gets you an interview, it is important to be prepared. Spend some time in advance reviewing the employer’s website, as well as any news stories about them, so you can speak to how your skill set and experience can align with their business proposition.

Overall, these tips might seem straightforward, but they are often overlooked by candidates. While it is a recruiter’s job to provide a service between a client and a candidate, the more you view your recruiter as a partner, the more you will get out of the partnership in the long run. If you don’t have a recruiting partner and are looking to advance your career, connect with Phyton Talent Advisors to learn more!