The job search can be potentially stressful for anyone seeking a new career. Here are some useful pointers on how you can work with recruitment consultants in your search.

Establishing Trust
Trust is extremely important in building a successful relationship with your consultant. Always remember that your recruitment consultant has, or should have, your best interests in mind. They are there to help you and they need to understand your situation in order to find that perfect position for you. 

“We do not believe in working only for the client (organizations),” says Jenny Guo, manager of consumer sales and marketing at Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd Shanghai. “We consider both the clients and candidates as equally important. By trusting us and being honest with us, we can better understand what you want and where you best fit.”

Follow-Up
Recruitment consultants typically receive over 50 resumès each day, so always follow-up with a phone call after sending yours out. This helps consultants remember you better and it also gives you the chance to sell your qualifications.

If they like what they hear, they will schedule a meeting with you and this cuts out having to sit by the phone wondering when they will call.

Be Transparent
Every recruitment consultant loves an honest candidate.

By being honest and transparent, you give your recruitment consultant a better idea of how they can assist you with your job search. Tell them the real reasons why you are leaving your current job or why you left your previous job. Share what you are looking for and what you like or do not like about your job.

Remember that consultants do not judge. They are there to help with the hiring process; they are not the decision makers. At the end of the day, everything still boils down to how you perform at the interview.

Describe to your consultant your requirements and preferences with regards to salary, relocation and so on. For example, if you are not keen on relocating, make sure to mention it to your consultant so that they do not match you to a job that requires you to do so.

“I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for candidates to be honest with us,” says Violet Sha, manager of supply chain and quality at Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd Suzhou. “For example, whenever I interview candidates, I will always ask why they want to leave their current job.”

“The aim is not to scrutinize their reasons but to better understand how we can help. If, for instance, you are not happy about working for a certain kind of boss, then tell us. We’ll be sure not to match you with organizations with bosses that have a similar personality.”

Be Open-Minded