Working with Executive Recruiters: Build a relationship.

Business is picking up and people are going back to work, especially College Graduates. The improving employment outlook will increase the likelihood that you will be contacted by a third party recruiter. Some tips to help make that experience effective and help you look like a pro are in order.
Working with most recruiters is a rather straightforward business proposition. Remember, their job is to serve their client, the hiring company. The recruiter is expected to manage the search process, making their client's job easier and more effective. That means doing all the detail work to validate you as a viable candidate. It is important to understand and appreciate the relationship the recruiter has developed with their client. The goodwill generated by serving the client is a precious asset to the recruiter which they will fight to protect. Be mindful that you are representing the recruiter when you interview with their client. If you present yourself well, you will gain an ally who will help your career.
When contacted by a recruiter, you will be provided with a general description of the position, compensation and location. The name of the company is generally not divulged in the first discussion; their confidentiality is maintained as closely as yours at this stage. You should learn about the recruiter as well as the nature of their relationship with the client. You will want to you understand their process and establish expectations. Check out their website and their references. The first point that you will want to learn is whether the recruiter has an exclusive assignment with the client, or if it is a non-exclusive contingency search. This information will speak to the strength of the recruiter-client relationship. You must do a little homework on your own to understand as much as you can about the recruiter to validate your decision to work with this person.
If mutual interest is established, arrangements will be made for more detailed discussions. This may take place in person, though often it conducted over the telephone. If mutual interest continues, the next step is a personal meeting, after which your credentials will be presented to the client for their review. The recruiter will maintain contact with you throughout the process, even after you are hired. They will answer your questions, schedule meetings and expedite all phases of the process. You will be kept fully informed of the client's impressions and intentions.
Here are some tips to help you build a relationship with a third-party recruiter
• Never shade the truth. Misstating or exaggerating titles, spans, education, salary, etc. will be discovered and may disqualify you.
• Full disclosure is vital. Errors of omission are potentially as damaging as distorting the truth about information you provide.
• Let the recruiter know if you are not interested or if you have any concerns about the job.
• Respond to the recruiter in a timely manner and provide complete feedback as required.
• Be a resource to the recruiter, offering candidate referrals when requested.
• Do not offer up candidates to your potential employer for other opportunities they may be trying to fill. This will be viewed as an infringement on the recruiter-client relationship making you persona non grata.
• If the process does not go well for you, do not try to circumvent the recruiter.
• Alert your references to expect the recruiter's call.
• Do keep in touch. LinkedIn is a powerful tool to employ.
Remember, working with a recruiter is not just about the job opportunity she is presenting you today. It is about building a professional relationship that will help you achieve your long-range career goals. Build on that relationship and make it work for you.