Working with a recruiter is a lot like falling in LOVE.

As a candidate, it is hugely beneficial to create strong relationships with the recruiters you are contacting to help create opportunities for yourself, both now and in the future. But how? Imagine that working with a recruiter is a lot like falling in love — going on that first date, the excitement of getting to know the other person, and then happily committing for the long haul.

Stage 1: The first date.

Create a great first impression when you first interact with a recruiter.

• The impression you make on a recruiter is important. Why? Because you want a recruiter to feel comfortable and confident having you represent them at an interview or assignment. They will decide this from their interactions with you.
• Ensure you are coming across as diligent, respectful, and professional — through your communication, documentation, and personal presentation.
• Be prepared for all meetings with a recruiter, and always be on time. Being very early or at all late (without notifying) does not project strong time management or planning skills and could reflect badly.
• Never ever be rude, or there will be no second date.

Stage 2: The “getting to know you” phase.

Agree a communication plan once you begin working with a recruiter.

• You should be keeping in regular contact with a recruiter throughout your job search, but recruiters have differing work styles just like everyone else. Agree a preferred plan for how and how often you will contact your recruiter moving forward.
• Conversely, how do you want to be contacted? Agree on channels that you are most easily reachable on — be it call, text, or email.
• Lastly, plan to communicate any change of availability or work preferences, and provide updated CVs when necessary.

Stage 3: Committing for the long haul.

Be understanding and honest while you continue to work with a recruiter.

• Recruiters receive requirements from their clients and are tasked to represent those candidates that are the best fit for the position. Be realistic that you may not be the best candidate for every role a recruiter is working on.
• You also won’t win every role that you interview for. Yet you can be top of the list for the next job by maintaining a positive impression during the interview process.
• When discussing your motivations, requirements and preferences — be honest. The recruiter takes this information and presents it to the client as truth. Be up front and transparent to make sure everyone is on the same page.
• A strong long-term relationship with your recruiter could mean opportunities when you are finished with your contract, or when you are ready for a new challenge — if that should happen in 1 week, 1 month, or one year from now.

These tips should help you to remember the process as a two-way relationship, but my last and most important piece of advice is to work with the right recruiter. You should deal with recruiters that will represent you well, will communicate as planned, and be understanding and honest with you!

You may have to kiss a few frogs, but once you find that special one — it can be job search magic (or dare I say, love?).