By Lauren Gormanly, Senior Consultant
A good recruitment consultant can be a genuine career asset. They know their market, they have relationships with hiring managers, and they can connect you with opportunities that simply do not appear on job boards.
But the quality of the service you receive is not entirely down to the consultant. Candidates who engage well consistently get better results than those who treat the relationship passively.
The most common source of frustration for candidates is being put forward for roles that do not match their expectations. This is usually a communication problem on both sides.
Tell your consultant exactly what you are looking for: the type of role, sectors you are open to and those you want to avoid, the minimum salary you will consider, location preferences, and working pattern requirements. Be equally clear about what you will not compromise on. That clarity allows your consultant to focus their efforts rather than covering everything broadly.
Recruiters need accurate information to represent you well. If you are registered with multiple agencies, say so. If you are already in a process elsewhere, say that too. If your notice period or salary expectations have changed, let your consultant know promptly.
Withholding information does not serve you. It can lead to double-submission to the same employer, mismatched expectations with a hiring manager, or a placement falling through at a late stage.
After an interview your consultant has arranged, they will ask how it went. Do not just say it went well. Tell them what landed, what concerned you, whether you are still interested and why, and if you have reservations, what they are.
This serves two purposes. It helps your consultant manage the relationship with the employer on your behalf, and it helps them represent you more accurately in future conversations. If a role is not right, explaining why specifically helps them avoid similar mismatches.
Recruitment moves fast. A hiring manager who wants to see you on Tuesday is unlikely to hold that slot for five days. Candidates who respond promptly, even just to confirm they have received a message and will come back shortly, are significantly easier to place than those who are hard to reach.
If you are going to be unavailable for any period, let your consultant know in advance. A consultant who knows you are on holiday can manage client expectations. One who does not know is left in a difficult position.
Even if your current search does not result in a role placed through your consultant, maintaining the relationship is worthwhile. Industries are small, careers are long, and a consultant who knows you and your work well is far better placed to help you when the time is right.
Keep in touch, let them know when you move roles, and reach out again when you are ready to consider a change. A well-managed network of specialist consultants in your sector is one of the most practical professional investments you can make.
Elevation has specialist consultants across Finance, Engineering, Marketing, HR, Procurement, Sales, Business Support, and Technology. Get in touch at https://www.elevationrecruitmentgroup.com/contact-us
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