HK
How to make recruiters like you: part II
1 September 2009
In part II of our series on working with recruiters, we give you some more tips on how to stop your headhunter hating you. Click here if you haven’t read part I.
Exchange expertise
You might be a hot-shot banker, but don’t be snobby about using your headhunter as a source of information. “What they may lack in technical product expertise, recruiters make up for with their knowledge about the business and about the interview experience of others who they have previously placed into the same bank,” says Richie Holliday, managing director of Morgan McKinley Hong Kong.
A recruiter can also help you stay competitive in the employment market. Chris Mead, general manager of Hays in Singapore, explains: “From what employers are looking for, to the culture of each institution - our expertise can give you an advantage when going into interviews.”
And also remember to share your own information about your job/industry. “This will keep recruiters interested and engaged in you, and they will go the extra mile to assist you,” adds Matthew Sidgwick, senior consultant, Reed Banking & Finance.
Don’t lose sight of your CV
It’s vital to maintain a list of where your CV has been sent to, and via which recruiter. If your resume has been presented twice, the second headhunter’s work is completely wasted and there is a chance that he/she won’t want to work with you again, says Carol Cheung, managing consultant, banking & financial services, Hudson.
Keep in touch, but don’t over do it
Don’t call too frequently just to ‘check in’ – once a month is probably adequate to keep yourself on the radar, says Paul Endacott, director of Ambition in Singapore. “However, if you do see roles advertised that you have a compelling case for, get on the phone to your recruiter straightaway.”
Be clever with your calls and texts
Phone: “When you leave a voice message for a new recruiter, give a quick summary of the purpose of the call and your background. This saves time for recruiters and helps them ascertain if your skills/background is relevant for the roles they have on hand,” says Gary Lai, Manager, financial services, Robert Walters Singapore.
SMS: “If you are sending an SMS, remember to leave your full name. Many candidates forget that or simply sign off with their first name. Recruiters meet many people and they are likely to know many other people with the same first names,” adds Lai.
Be patient
Going through a recruitment process can often be gruelling and frustrating. Some banks have been known to take candidates through as many as nine interview stages, and the wait in between is likely to be lengthy, says Endacott.
The recruiter can only update you on the status of these interviews, if the bank has responded. “Don’t get too annoyed if a recruiter is not able to provide you with any feedback from an interview with a client – some companies are just not good at giving feedback to your recruiter. They share your frustrations,” adds Endacott.
