All Recruiters are NOT created Equal

All Recruiters are NOT created Equal Joe LaBella, Executive Recruiting Manager - Career Quest LLC Jan 2009

As a former (recovering) accountant with a Big 4 firm, I received numerous calls from recruiters telling me about the next "great job".  Now being on the other side of the desk as a recruiter for the past four years I can tell you, unequivocally, that all recruiters are not created equally.  So how did I choose which recruiters to work with when I was in public accounting?  The same way I think you should choose most of your business relationships.  Referrals and word of mouth. 

Things to consider when selecting a professional recruiter

Trust is key when selecting a recruiter.  Use your network to find referrals to the best recruiters in your market  or profession. Develop your relationship with a recruiter NOW!  Don't wait until your career is interrupted.  By keeping your recruiter ("career advisor") up to speed on your career accomplishments, you will be at the top of the list when it comes to the most critical and lucrative positions on the market. Select a recruiter that has exerience in your niche.  They should be able to highlight relevent successes and present solid references.

I worked with two recruiters when I was in public accounting.  The first I met when he came to speak to one of my accounting classes in college.  The second was a referral from a colleague in the firm I worked for at the time.  In both instances they wanted to meet with me face to face to discuss my background, interest and career goals  Be wary of recruiters that call to tell you about the perfect job for you.  How could they know it is a great role for you?  It's impossible for me (or anyone) to know what is a perfect fit until having a chance to discuss career accomplishments, likes and dislikes and objectives.  

Approach your relationship with a  recruiter as you would any important professional relationship.  Trust is exetremely important when it comes to your relationship with a recruiter.  Make sure you are comfortable that the recruiter is looking out for your best interests based on the discussions you have had regarding your past experiences and potential career path.  Make sure you are both on the same page when it comes to your career objectives like...what challenges you are looking for in your next position, the culture and environment that will be the best fit and where you want your career to take you. 

A good recruiter values the relationship (both from a candidate and company perspective), will act as an agent and feel a fiduciary duty to doing the right thing regardless of the outcome and related fee.  When executed correctly, career matches are based not only on the candidates experience, but also on the "intangibles" the candidate brings to your company.  Often times it is these intangibles that outweigh the keywords on a resume.

So...when do you need to develop a relationship with a recruiter?  NOW!  Don't wait until a major event interrupts your career.  When desperation sets in, you won't be making decisions based on the best move for your career, you will be making decisions based on who will pay you the most money the fastest.  That is not a good way to conduct a job search and make solid career decisions.  If we know who you are, what you have accomplished in your career and can speak to a client about our long standing relationship, we have a much better chance at success.  

Sometimes the ideal opportunity presents itself quickly but more often than not it could take months and years.  By having the initial conversation, and maintaining regular contact with updates on your career, a good recruiter will be on the lookout for that perfect role and let you know when it presents itself.  The same goes for the hiring manager.  By having solid relationship with a trusted recruiter, they know what traits make successful employees in your company.  By being able to match the skill set with the particular company's "intangible" checklist is the best way to make a long term hire.

 There are many choices out there these days and lots of competition in the recruiting industry.  There is no reason any candidate should feel like they have to settle for a mediocre recruiter.  Choose the person you feel comfortable with, that you trust, that is sincere in their approach to "helping" you and not just "selling" you.  That is the person you should choose to have a relationship with.  Whether it is your banker, your doctor, having home improvements done, or looking for your next career opportunity, making a decision based on these attributes will ensure the best chance for a successful outcome.

We welcome the chance to talk with you, learn about you and determine if we are the right firm to represent you or your organization.  We are certain that given the chance we will earn your trust.