Question:
Is it OK to be chummy with my recruiter?
Answer:
“This is an excellent question. The recruiter / candidate relationship is both friendly and professional, so it’s sometimes hard to know where the communication boundaries lie.
On one hand, it’s very important that candidates feel they can relax enough to be honest and candid during general calls with their recruiter. Very often, candidates must share background information that could be interpreted as complicated, or perhaps even sticky. We recruiters realize that it isn’t easy for our candidates to put themselves in such vulnerable positions. But by providing such history, candidates tool us with the information we need to represent them in their best light. In order for candidates to feel comfortable enough to share their employment stories, there has to be an adequate level of trust. They need to know that it’s OK to be honest with us. In this respect, the relationship being established is personal. But there’s a slight caveat…
Candidates (perhaps you) also need to remember that a good recruiter will make on-going assessments about your professionalism, as well as your ability to articulate your breadth of knowledge, intended career path, and work experience. We know what our clients seek in a great employee, and we’re always listening for those core strengths to shine though in our candidates. So, it’s very important that you demonstrate your knowledge and communication skills when given the opportunity. You certainly don’t need to be “on guard” with your recruiter during every phone call, but when asked, please put on your professional hat! Don’t make the mistake of saving your “best self” for that client interview. Your recruiter is your advocate and champion in the search process. Keep in mind that if he or she does not fully realize both your professional and interpersonal strengths, that interview may never come to pass!
– Brenda Witkemper, Recruiter
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Brenda? Have further questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and Brenda will reply!
