How to approach a recruiter and get them to find you a job

If you want a recruiter to be on the lookout for job opportunities for you, these are the best ways to get their attention.

CAREERS’ panel of expert recruiters answers a reader’s question each week. Have a question? Email [e-mail]

How do I approach a recruiter to get them to look out for opportunities for me?

Alexandra Rosser

Head of Organisational Psychology Consulting,

Stillwell Management Consultants

Most recruiters will welcome an approach from you which should consist of a covering letter outlining your details, the types of roles and industries in which you are interested, your remuneration expectations and availability. Attach your CV to this letter. Some recruiters will have a specific portal through which you can upload such documents but you may also use other modes of delivery of your information (email, mail, etc) if there is no such option or it is inaccessible to you. It is advisable to then maintain contact with the recruiter following your submission and it is particularly useful if you stay abreast of roles of interest to you and refer to them when checking in so that they can build a picture of what might be appealing to, and suitable for, you.

Alexandra Rosser says jobseekers should provide a cover letter as well as a CV when making contact with a recruiter.

Lisa Morris

Director,

Hays

The simplest way is to submit your CV then call your local Hays office to confirm receipt and talk to the relevant recruiter in your field. You can also search and apply for jobs on our website. While it’s our job to find the best candidates for each role we’re recruiting for, we’re also passionate about creating valuable relationships with everyone we work with. The better we understand your career objectives, the more likely we are to be able to help you achieve them. So, let us know the type of job you’re looking for, what makes you a suitable candidate and how such a role fits into your long-term career goals. Remember, we need to provide an impressive shortlist of candidates who meet the criteria of the vacancy we’re recruiting for. If one initial role is not right for you, by helping us understand your skills and experience we’ll remember you when other relevant roles come along.

Lisa Morris says providing recruiters with information about your skills and experience can help them consider you for future opportunities.

Megan Nicholson

General manager

Entree Recruitment

You should call a recruiter and/or agency and have a conversation with them about who you are and what you are looking for. Ask if there would be an opportunity for you to have an interview with a recruitment consultant and register with the agency. Many agencies have dedicated recruitment consultants and their responsibility is to meet with candidates for current and future job vacancies. It is very beneficial to build a relationship with a recruitment consultant so they know what types of roles you are looking for and what type of company/culture will suit you. They can then contact you when a role matching what you are seeking becomes available.

Megan Nicholson advises jobseekers to call recruiters and have a conversation with them about what they are looking for.

Andrew Sullivan

Managing director,

Sullivan Consulting

The most effective way to source opportunities from a recruiter is to develop a relationship with them, as recruiters will often notify previous candidates and people they know of relevant opportunities. As a starting point, I would suggest approaching your recruiter of choice by calling them directly. Although this may sound intimidating, a recruiter needs to have a solid understanding of your experience and background to match you with appropriate opportunities. Email and other more impersonal communication methods, although less intimidating, will limit the amount of insight a recruiter will have on you.

Andrew Sullivan says jobseekers should call recruiters, rather than email them or use other impersonal communication.

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