TIPS FOR WORKING WITH A RECRUITER

        BE HONEST

        Buy an answering machine or subscribe to a service if you don't already have one.  Use a brief, polite, formal message at each number at which you may receive calls.  Remember a prospective employer may be calling.  Use a message that won't embarrass you.

        Alert everyone in your household of your search and the need for their cooperation, courtesy and accurate message taking.

        Explain reasons for all job changes to your recruiter.  Recruiters are expected to clarify to the potential employer everything on your resume.

        Don't call a recruiter just to "test the waters" or "see what's out there".  He/she is under the impression that you are serious about finding a new position.

        Tell your recruiter your exact income annually and your total compensation package.  Breakout into base salary, shift differential, bonus, commission, 401K's, stock options, etc., and give your last year's W-2 gross.  If there is a question, the recruiter or potential employer may ask for a W-2.

        Explain any requirements to your recruiter associated with relocation, such as jobs for your spouse, special schools for your children, special needs, etc. The more open you are to relocation, the greater your chances will be in finding a position.

        Inform your recruiter of any outside job activities such as telephone interviews, personal interviews, job offers, etc.  By doing so, your recruiter is able to obtain offers more quickly, and in general, appear more informed to their clients and affiliates about your situation.  No one likes surprises in the offer making stage.

        Be truthful with your recruiter.  Many recruiters network their applicants, so inconsistencies will be obvious.

        Don't talk to a recruiter unless you have discussed and agreed upon your job search and relocation preferences with your spouse or significant other.

        Limit your exposure in working with recruiters and make sure they have expertise in your area.

        Identify yourself by your full name when you call to speak with the recruiter.  Recruiters work with thousands of applicants and may not know who you are if you introduce yourself as "Bill".

        Notify your recruiter if you move, go out of town, change phone numbers, or email addresses.  Even though you may not be interested in a new position today, you may still want to receive newsletters or calls about opportunities in the future.

        Don't accept a job offer and later turn it down.  Some recruiters will not work with an applicant again if this happens.  They may also network your name to other recruiters and clients and inform them of your improper business practices.

        When your recruiter secures an interest in you from an employer either by phone or in person, you must report results back to the recruiter immediately.  Today's communications result in instant feedback from the employer, imagine how negatively it can appear if the recruiter cannot comment on your interest level back to them!

        Be decisive.  If you are being considered for a significant opportunity by an employer and cannot make an informed decision in a reasonable amount of time, it may not impress the employer favorably.  Do your homework in advance of the offer.

        If your situation changes radically and you can't report to work as agreed, notify your new employer and recruiter IMMEDIATELY.  Not showing on your start date or calling your new employer on your start date (instead of earlier) is discourteous and considered reprehensible (right up there with stealing and lying) by employers and recruiters.  Remember that word of your behavior often travels.

        Don't agree to a personal interview if you know beforehand that you will definitely not accept an offer with the company.

        Be positive and patient.  Good things take time.

        Recruiters appreciate referrals of others in the industry.  Don't pre-guess if they are looking or not.  If you respect their work, give that name as a lead to your recruiter.  Let your recruiter explain how leads keep them in business.

        Your recruiter expects cooperation in the following areas:

1.        Honesty
2.        Immediate Feedback throughout the interview process.
3.        Decisiveness in consideration of an offer.
4.        Referrals of others in the industry.