Works Well With Others summary

If you’ve applied for a job lately, you’ll know it’s common practice these days for companies to use an external recruiter to determine who gets an interview with the hiring manager. But sitting down for a meeting with a recruiter doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. With the right mindset, you can ace the meeting and get that call back.

First off, it’s important to understand what a recruiter is looking for in an interview.

Contrary to what most people think, recruiters are more interested in building a relationship with you than in helping an employer fill a vacant position. If they don’t find something for you today, they might still come across the perfect job down the line. So think of the meeting as an informative conversation, an opportunity for the recruiter to learn more about you and your career goals.

A good technique is to put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes. Imagine you are the one who has to find a new employee for a company. You’ll meet a lot of well-educated and motivated people who may not be the right fit for this position, but might be perfect candidates for the next business you start recruiting for.

So, with this in mind, how should you act in front of a recruiter?

First of all: Don’t be late! Tardiness makes a bad first impression that is always difficult to overcome.

Second: Don’t lie! If you really are right for the job, being truthful about yourself will prove it.

And third: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out as much as you can about the position and what the company is looking for. By learning what qualities they’re seeking, you can emphasize those traits in yourself during your interview with the hiring manager.

Finally, after the meeting, send a thank you note to the recruiter. It’s a simple gesture that leaves a good impression.