Most candidates coming to a recruiting firm are looking for help in finding a new job. But little do they know, candidates can be their own worst enemy. Below are some very simple suggestions candidates can do to help their recruiters help themselves in their job search.

1. Answer your phone. We see too many situations where we’ve called a candidate, left a voicemail, and the call isn’t returned for several days. That isn’t helpful for anyone. Job seekers are called all the time for several different reasons: to run a position by them, to set up an interview, to discuss an offer, etc. But when candidates don’t answer the phone, you are not only slowing down your job search, but you’re potentially pushing a recruiter to move on to the next candidate.
2. Check your voicemail. If in the event you are unable to get to your phone, a voicemail is typically left with the purpose of the phone call. It is very helpful if you check the voicemail before calling back to save you time and your recruiter’s time. Not checking your voicemail first before calling back displays unprofessionalism.
3. Make sure your voicemail isn’t full. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve called a candidate and their voicemail box is full, I wouldn’t need to work anymore. A best practice would be once you’ve listened to the voicemail, delete it from your phone to make room for future ones!
4. Take assessments you’re given as soon as possible. When you are looking for a job, it can be hard to find time to work in all the things required for a job search. Assessments are given for all kind of reasons the main one being to help us see if you’re a fit for a role. If you take 3 days to follow through, what does that say about you? It certainly doesn’t scream you’re excited for this opportunity. The longer you take in finishing the assessments, the longer it will be before you find a new job.
5. Update your resume with suggested changes in a timely manner. Most recruiters have been in the hiring industry long enough to know the best tips on writing a successful resume. If you’re given suggestions to improve your resume, do your best to get those changes corrected and sent back to us as soon as possible.
6. Let recruiters know of any changes in your job search. If you get a raise in your current job, need more benefits now, need part time vs. full time now, let your recruiter know as soon as you can. Don’t wait until after we’ve sent your resume to a company or you’ve interviewed to update us on your changes. It is a waste of time for both parties.
7. Follow up with your recruiter after interviews. If you loved your interview and love the job, let us know. If you learned things about the job that makes you no longer interested, let us know. We want to know your feedback to better serve you and our client. The faster we receive feedback, the faster we can be in finding the perfect fit for you!

We certainly know how hard finding a new job can be. But with these tips, your job search can be easier and smoother for both you and your recruiter!

Written by: Shawn Kinard