How to tell if you are working with a good recruiter when changing job.

So, you’ve decided to work with a recruiter for your job search. But how do you know if you can trust them with your career move in their hands?

In our last blog post, we explained why working with a recruiter can be beneficial. If you haven’t read it yet, make sure to check it out here.

Now, let’s dive into how to tell if you are working with a good recruiter.

Industry Knowledge:

A great recruiter will have a deep understanding of the industry they specialise in. They are familiar with current market trends, insight into different companies, and the skills required for different roles.

You will be able to tell if this is the case if your recruiter gives you expert advice on what is happening on the market. This is important, as it will ensure you pick the right company.

Example: You are an IAM Engineer who is looking to work for a different vendor. A recruiter with industry knowledge will be able to tell you which vendors have the best projects, or which have high staff turnover, advising you against joining those.

Active Listening:

One of the most important traits of a good recruiter is their ability to actively listen.

They take their time to understand your career goals, preferences, and aspirations.

How can you tell if they are paying attention to what you are saying? The best recruiters will repeat your expectations and confirm that they have understood them. Besides, their actions will reflect on this too.

Example: You are a Senior SAP Consultant who wants to move into project management. A bad recruiter will only present you with consultant roles, whilst a good recruiter will give you the option of either project management roles, or a company who will develop you into a project manager.

Personalised Guidance:

A great recruiter provides personalised guidance tailored to your unique needs.

They offer you advice on resume-building, interview preparation, and overall career development.

This is important to look out for. The best recruiters will guide you through the whole interview process and schedule regular check-ins with you in a manner that is respectful to your time.

Example: You are a Cybersecurity Analyst who has been at the same company for seven years. As it has been many years since you last had an interview, you will benefit from refreshing your interview skills and updating your CV to secure your interviews.

 

Trust Your Instincts:

Trusting your gut feeling is crucial when working with a recruiter. If something feels off or doesn’t align with your career goals, you are likely right.

Overly pushy recruiters often don’t have your career in their best interest. If you feel that they aren’t listening, and disregarding your expectations, you run into the risk of accepting a job that isn’t what you wanted.

 

Respectful of Your Time:

Time is valuable, especially during a job search. A good recruiter respects your time by providing timely updates, scheduling interviews efficiently, and keeping you informed throughout the process.

Regular communication is crucial for a smooth application process, so you should expect to speak to your recruiter regularly. We suggest scheduling regular update calls in advance, or informing them when you are available.

 

Feedback and Honesty:

Giving constructive feedback and honest communication are actions of the best recruiters. They provide you with updates on your application status, share interview feedback, and offer advice for improvement.

It’s a bad sign if a recruiter doesn’t provide you with any feedback and reasons.

Our advice is to always be open and receptive to receiving tips.

 

They Know Their Client and Understand the Job Details:

A reliable recruiter will possess a thorough understanding of their client’s company culture, business goals, and job requirements. This knowledge will enable them to match you with potential opportunities more effectively.

You should be able to ask questions and receive answers for them.

Please do bear in mind, that some questions are best to be asked and answered by the hiring managers and HR.

Example: You are a SAP Team Lead who got approached by one of our consultants regarding a new team lead position for a global SAP S/4HANA transformation. However, for you to proceed with an application you want to know why the vacancy is open, how big the team is, and at what stage of the project they are at. These questions should be answered to you.

 

 

A Proven Track Record:

Look for a recruiter with a track record of success. Check for testimonials recommendations to ensure they have a history of placing candidates in desirable positions.

Long-Term Relationships:

A strong recruiter-candidate relationship is built on trust and mutual respect. A good recruiter will maintain long-term relationships, even after you’ve secured a job, and be available for future career moves.

 

Negotiation Skills:

Lastly, a good recruiter should possess strong negotiation skills. They will advocate for you during salary discussions and help you navigate offers to secure the best possible outcome.

It is important to note, that an expert recruiter will also understand realistic salary expectations for specific roles, therefore advising you on what to aim for.

Remember, finding the right recruiter is essential for a successful job search. By prioritizing these qualities, you can ensure that you’re working with a recruiter who will have your best interests at heart.

If you are looking for a change in your SAP, IAM or cybersecurity career, speak to one of our specialist consultants