If You Work With a Recruiter, Don’t Make this Big Mistake

2016 may be a record year for hiring. Even with a recent “adjustment” in the stock market, companies are projected to continue their hiring frenzy.

The economy ebbs and flows, however, there doesn’t seem to be any suggestion that hiring will slow down this year. If 2015 was any hint, the market pendulum is going to again swing towards the candidate, not the employer.

What does a candidate market mean? It means that the candidate will have choices. Yes, you will be able to look at a number of opportunities and make a well-educated decision before signing on the dotted line. It also means you probably have the upper hand. Employers will give out signing bonuses, relocation packages, and equity will be part of the packages. Flexible workplace and unlimited vacation may become more of a norm for organizations.

This is a far cry from 2008 isn’t it? In an employer’s market, candidates know they are darn lucky just to have a job. Overworked and underpaid individuals are so scared of unemployment that they wouldn’t dare taking a look at making a change.

As a recruiter, I am cognizant that it is a candidates market. Believe me when I tell you that I know candidates are getting multiple offers and counter offers. I like to really qualify the candidate and make sure that the candidate feels like the opportunity is the right fit for them before presenting them to companies.

Many companies would see this as a distinct disadvantage trying to recruit in a candidate’s market. I feel differently. If we didn’t have recruiting, that means there isn’t job growth, and that means we are in a poor economy. Yes, I choose to look at it as the glass is half full, not empty. This year is full of opportunities.

Candidates, I know you are loving this. I don’t blame you.

Let me say this though, the pendulum will swing to the employer’s market again one day. It may not be in a year, and it may not be in 5, but it will happen. I know you are excited that you again have the upper hand. I would caution you, however, to not burn bridges. I would caution you how you talk to companies and recruiters.

Recruiters have long memories.

Recruiters work hard to earn a good reputation. They are the matchmakers in employment. It is important to maintain good relationships with recruiters. If you decide to take another job, then that is okay. It is just business. Recruiters move around. They switch jobs more frequently than many other occupations.

It is important to consider these 3 thing when working with a recruiter:

• Return calls in a timely fashion. Recruiters work hard to get interviews set up, and if you are in the interview process always close the loop if you have decided to take another opportunity. Leaving a client hanging doesn’t look good on the recruiter or the candidate. Taking the 2 minutes to make the phone call will keep everyone satisfied.
• Always keep the door open. The opportunity the recruiter is presenting may not be right for you today, but the recruiter may have a role in the future that may interest you. Just like in the last bullet point, following up with a recruiter to state your situation leaves a positive impression. A simple: “Thanks for considering me, but I am really looking for XYZ right now,” is much better than avoiding a conversation.
• Be cordial when working with recruiters. If you have all the right skills, but you aren’t polite, then the recruiters may not want to work with you in the future. It’s as simple as that!

On the flip side of the coin, recruiters owe candidates an explanation when they do not get a job. As hard as it is for a candidate to hear they didn’t get a job, it is even harder when they don’t receive any feedback at all.

The short and skinny of it is that we should all be excited that jobs are abundant. It is up to all of us to respect each other and etiquette is required. It is the right thing to do.