Whether you love or hate them, recruiters play an important role in the career search process. In order to have the best possible relationship with them you need to understand that they work for the employer, not you. This means if they don’t have a job that fits your skill set, experience or personality, then they will not contact you. Make sure you know the most relevant recruiters in your profession and get them on your radar screen early. After you connect with them it’s your responsibility to keep them in the loop during your search. Never expect a recruiter to pull your resume every time there is a similar opportunity because they are busy and have many good candidates to sift through. In some cases, another recruiter performs the initial candidate matching process. When meeting recruiters, always be prepared, be memorable, show respect, send ‘thank you’ or ‘touching base’ cards and offer help even when you are employed. The easier you make their job the more helpful they may be to you in the future. When an opportunity is not for you think of others in your network who may be a better fit. Not only are you helping a recruiter you just may find someone else a great new job! Finally, in an employers’ market recruiters have little inclination to work with executives who want to make a career switch. There are already many “perfect” candidates… and ultimately they are the people recruiters are getting paid to find

An executive recruiter, with their extensive experience in the job market and keen understanding of what companies look for in top-tier candidates, can provide invaluable advice for those embarking on a job search, especially at the executive level. Here are ten things an executive recruiter might advise you to do to be successful in your job search:

FIVE THINGS A JOB SEEKER SHOULD NEVER DO WHEN WORKING WITH AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

1. Lie or Exaggerate Qualifications: Honesty is crucial when dealing with recruiters. Misrepresenting your skills, experience, or qualifications can damage your reputation and lead to missed opportunities in the long run.

2. Ignore or Be Unresponsive: Recruiters often work on tight deadlines. Failing to respond promptly to their communications can make you seem unprofessional or uninterested. Always aim to respond within a reasonable time frame.

3. Badmouth Past Employers: Speaking negatively about former employers or colleagues can be a red flag. It suggests a lack of professionalism and can make recruiters hesitant to recommend you to potential employers.

4. Be Unprepared: Always be prepared for discussions with recruiters. This includes having an updated resume, knowing your career goals, and understanding the role you are being considered for. Lack of preparation shows a lack of seriousness about the job search.

5. Demand Unrealistic Expectations: While it’s important to communicate your career aspirations and salary expectations, being inflexible or having unrealistic demands can turn recruiters away. Be open to discussions and willing to negotiate within reason.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can build a strong, professional relationship with executive recruiters and enhance your chances of securing the right job opportunity.

These books are recommended because they focus on working with recruiters 

Headhunters and How To Use Them
Headhunters and How to Use Them is a comprehensive guide by Nancy Garrison-Jenn that demystifies executive search for companies and professionals alike. Through real-world examples and practical insights, the book explains how headhunters operate, what qualities they seek in candidates, and how organizations can collaborate effectively with them. It also highlights strategies for executive job seekers, emphasizing the importance of credibility, networking, and clear career objectives. Ultimately, it equips readers to maximize success in recruitment.

Headhunter Hiring Secrets 2.0
Headhunter Hiring Secrets by Skip Freeman unveils the behind-the-scenes strategies used by professional headhunters to navigate today’s competitive job market. Drawing from years of recruiting expertise, Freeman offers actionable advice for presenting a compelling image, mastering interviews, and adapting to evolving employer expectations. He also highlights the critical importance of networking, personal branding, and effective follow-up. Readers gain insight into the entire hiring process, equipping them with the tools to stand out and secure opportunities.

Persausion Skills Black Book
"Persuasion Skills Black Book" by Rintu Basu provides practical methods to enhance your influence and communication in various everyday interactions. Drawing on the principles of NLP, covert hypnosis, and psychological triggers, it breaks down techniques for tailoring language, calibrating nonverbal cues, and framing messages. Readers learn to shape others’ decisions, overcome resistance, and build rapport ethically. Basu’s accessible guidance and exercises make advanced persuasion tactics understandable and quickly applicable in personal and professional contexts alike.