<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m not looking right\nnow.\u201d \u201cI just started a new job.\u201d \u201cI\u2019m not interested at this time.\u201d These are\ncommon responses that recruiters hear when attempting to connect with potential\ncandidates. They reveal a lack of understanding of the real benefits of working\nwith professional recruiters for the advancement of their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two common\nrecruiting approaches typical of many search consultants. The first are those\n\u201cheadhunters\u201d who tend to work with you only when you are a potential fit for a\ncurrent opening that they are trying to fill. I call these \u201cTransactional\u201d\nrecruiters. If you turn out not to be a good fit for their current opportunity,\nyou can expect to never hear back from \u201cTransactional\u201d recruiters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second types are those\nthat consider your career prospects and look to form a long-term relationship.\nI call these \u201cNetworking\u201d recruiters. They build a database of strong\ncandidates, so they can know their markets and identify candidates as staffing\nneeds surface. You should view \u201cNetworking\u201d recruiters as your career\nconsultants. OneSource Professional Search is this type of search and placement\nfirm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nature of your\nrelationship with \u201cNetworking\u201d recruiters depends on several factors. These\ninclude your qualifications, your career aspirations, the recruiter\u2019s specific\nprocesses, and of course, the job market. It also is affected by your approach\nto the relationship. Recruiting is a business and as a candidate you should\napproach the relationship with the recruiter seriously. Be professional, prepared\nand most importantly, honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working with a \u201cNetworking\u201d\nrecruiter requires building a relationship, often even before they have an\nopportunity to present to you. \u201cNot currently looking\u201d is not a good reason to\ndecline working with a \u201cNetworking\u201d recruiter. This is because the relationship\nthat you build may benefit you in several ways, including informing you of\nchanging marketplace conditions, keeping you up to date with compensation and\nbenefits, and alerting you to new opportunities in the hidden market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you build this relationship?\nFirst, by taking the advice mentioned above: being professional, prepared and\nhonest. Second, by helping to identify other candidates and providing\nreferrals. Third, offering information regarding changing market conditions or\nkey developments in your niche back to the recruiter. Finally, by staying in\ntouch or responding when the recruiter reaches out to you. It never hurts\nto network a little. So, when the reach out happens, say, \u201cYes, I\u2019m\ninterested!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n