You’re looking for a great new job, but seem to be hitting a wall. Or a recruiter just called and left you a message and you’re not sure what to do. Either way, you’ve never worked with one before and aren’t sure how to approach the potential relationship. The professional career coaches at ResumeSpice are here to help. Before you partner with one in your job search, here are some top questions to ask:
How long have you been in the industry?
When you’re putting your career into someone else’s hands, you want to ensure they have substantial experience. Asking this question will also give you a sense of whether they’ve worked with candidates like you in the past and their placement success rate.
What types of positions do you fill?
Recruiters come in all shapes and sizes. Some focus solely on temporary or contract opportunities, while others fill full-time jobs only. Some do a mix of both and can even specialize in specific industries. It’s therefore important to ensure the recruiter you’re considering is filling the kinds of openings you’d be interested in securing.
How long has this position been opened?
If there’s a specific opportunity a recruiter is calling you about, asking this question will give you a good idea of how the search is going and any potential red flags about the employer. For instance, if the job has been open for a year, then it’s a warning sign for you about the position or the company. If it’s been open for a week, then expect an application and interview process that will last at least several weeks or even months.
What are the top three or four qualifications for it?
Before you move ahead, you want to ensure you have the capabilities to handle the job. Asking this question will help you understand whether or not you can perform successfully in this position.
What do you know about the hiring manager?
This will give you more insight into how to best position your skills and background to them. It’s an especially good idea to ask this question if the hiring manager would also be the person you’d be reporting to. You’ll be able to get a better sense of whether their personality and leadership style are a good fit for you.
What’s the next step?
The recruiter might simply be trying to gauge your interest, or could need to fill the job by next week. In any case, you need to know what their timeline is and next steps are if you are interested in the job. If you’re not, be honest about it.
Want professional help from a career coach in your next job search?
Turn to the professional career coaches at ResumeSpice. We know what hiring managers look for in top candidates and can help you get the edge you need to get hired, faster. Find out more by reaching out to our team at 832.930.7378 or by contacting us online.
