Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

How to Avoid Losing a Recruiter’s Interest and Flubbing Your Job Search

Unfortunately, many job seekers end up unintentionally sabotaging their own efforts when working with a recruiter. This is especially true if the person has no prior experience in working with a recruiting professional. If you’re in the market for a new job and are using a recruiter to find it, avoid these common errors:

Leaving a voicemail without saying your last name

Recruiters manage dozens of relationships at a time, so just saying, “Hi, this is Sarah” isn’t going to cut it. Instead, clearly state your first and last name, as well as a phone number where you can be reached. Make sure to speak slowly so you’re easy to understand. Even if you’ve had numerous conversations with this recruiter, don’t just assume that they recognize your voice or have your number on speed dial.

Following up every day

While the occasional follow up is good (and often necessary) you also don’t need to start stalking your recruiter, pumping them for information. If your recruiter’s a true professional, he or she will make contact when information presents itself. Otherwise, there’s no need to check in every day. However, if you left a message and haven’t heard back a week later, then it’s time to drop a friendly e-mail just to check in.

Being abrasive as you follow up

If you want to lose your recruiter’s interest right away, just be abrasive during a conversation. Though you may be frustrated and therefore tempted to fire off an e-mail that says, “ I expected to hear from you by now. This is unacceptable” you have to hold your fire. The recruiting process takes time, and badgering the professional won’t make them want to help you.

Overwhelming them with questions that you could research on your own

Yes, your recruiter is there to act as a guide as you move through the job search process. However, this does not mean that they’re there to be your only source of information. If you have a question that could be easily answered by searching the company’s website, do it. Your recruiting professional is there for the more challenging questions that require an inside source. They don’t need to help you find the address for the company or find out about some of the major projects that group is working on.

While a recruiter is there to help you, it’s also important to continue to treat the relationship with respect. Even if you begin to develop a comfortable relationship with your recruiter, keep in mind that this connection is a business one, and you have to conduct yourself accordingly.

Tell us about your recruiter experiences in the comments!

Lauren Levine

Lauren Levine is a copywriter/blogger who contributes to a number of magazines and websites including The Frisky, USA Today, and others. She also authors her own blog called Life with Lauren. She loves cooking, anything on the E! network, and is trying to convince herself that running isn't so bad.

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