There are two basic types of recruiters - retained and contingency. On one hand, the retained recruiter will be paid for his services regardless of the success rate in matching job with the right applicant. On the other hand, contingency headhunters will only be paid for his services once the job has been filled with the right professional. Regardless of the type of recruiter, however, it cannot be overemphasized that either one will work, in a manner of speaking, in your favor. And even when the jobs offered do not pan out, the recruiter will keep you in mind when new opportunities suited to your qualifications come up. The trick is in knowing how to tap into the expertise and contacts of these executive search firms.
Establish a Good Professional Relationship
For many professionals, establishing a good professional relationship with just one compliance search group is sufficient for the purpose of finding many job opportunities. After all, most recruiters will share similar networks of clients and companies. Still, it is also a good idea to establish relationships with two or three headhunters so that maximum amount of coverage, so to speak, can be achieved. The important thing is that your lines of communication are always open. Discussions should be made about the desired qualities in a job, the ways with which job opportunities are evaluated, and the methods by which appropriate qualifications can be acquired.
Be Open to Opportunities
In today's tight economy, beggar applicants cannot be choosers. You have to evaluate all the job opportunities being presented by the headhunters lest a hidden gem escape your notice. Keep in mind that the headhunter will not present job opportunities without the strong conviction that you are suited for the job. Also, many prospective employers will change their qualification requirements after the interview process to account for new developments in the industry and company in general and in job requirements in particular. You may also find that the job has its merits once you get to know more of its responsibilities and rewards during your research and interview.
Provide Appropriate Feedback
This works in two ways. First, it is necessary to provide feedback on the reasons why you think the job is inappropriate for your qualifications. For example, the recruiter of a general compliance search group may not be well-versed in technical qualifications and, hence, will need feedback on certain terms. Second, it is essential to pass on feedback about the interview to the recruiter. You may have forgotten to mention a very important qualification, skill or experience to the interviewers, which the recruiter can then pass on to his client. Basically, communication lines must be kept open. It cannot be overemphasized that headhunters of executive search firms will only be successful if and when cooperation, coordination and communication are present between applicants and themselves.
Conduct Targeted Searches
Although keeping an open mind is an excellent strategy, it also pays to conduct targeted job searches. You want to maximize the time and effort of the recruiter in finding the right job opportunities. In fact, many recruiters and employers prefer job applicants who knows what they want in a job, save for a few surprises. Doing targeted searches is easy. Review the adverts and job opportunities presented, determine if you have all or majority of the qualifications and then apply for the job if you do. The recruiter will be able to assist by presenting job opportunities according to your job and industry targets, level of willingness to relocate and to travel, compensation range, and availability for the job.
With any luck on your part, the compliance search group headhunters will be able to match your qualifications with the right job. Just keep looking, applying and going for interviews until such time that the window of opportunity finally becomes the door to a better job.
