Job seekers sometimes struggle with what details they should (or shouldn’t) tell their recruiter.
While honesty is important, you don’t want to overshare. After all, some things are better left unsaid.
If you’re unsure about what information you should disclose during your staffing agency interview, we can help.
Here are 3 things you should always tell your recruiter:
1. Your Expectations.
You should always be honest about what you want with your recruiter. Especially when it comes to decisions that can potentially affect your lifestyle. Be up front about the types of positions you are willing to accept, how far you’re willing to commute and your pay expectations.
In doing this, you prevent your recruiter from wasting both of your time with opportunities outside of your needs. But keep in mind, the more restrictions you have, the more you limit yourself and the agency’s ability to help you.
2. Your Employment Gaps.
Life happens. Continuing education, family obligations and illnesses are just some reasons why someone may have been out of the workforce for a long period of time.
Whatever the explanation, be up front with your recruiter. If they understand what was going on in your life at the time, the easier it will be to defend your absence to potential employers.
3. Your True Abilities.
Confidence is key, but so is being realistic. While we’d all like to think we’re capable of anything and everything, it’s best to share facts with your recruiter. Tell them specific programs and applications you have used in the field – not dabbled with in your spare time. They will typically give you skills assessments, so if you’re lying about proficiency, the tests will tell.
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You should also be honest about strengths and weaknesses. Being able to sell yourself to your recruiter will ultimately help them pair you best with employers looking for your specific skills.
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Thanks for pointing out that we should be open about the reasons for gaps in our employment history so the staffing agency can better defend the absence to potential employers. I need to find a job soon and am considering working with a staffing agency to do so. I do have a few long gaps in my work history, so I’ll be sure to thoroughly explain them to the recruiter.
I thought it was great how you mentioned that you should always be honest about what you want from a job recruiter. My brother has been out of work for the last few years because of a back injury, but he has been wanting to rejoin the workforce. It may be beneficial for him to work with a staffing agency to find a job that would fit his needs.
You’re right about saying that I should tell the job recruitment agency about my expectations when I work with them so I can get a job. I think I will tell them about my employment gaps so that they can find me the right career fit for me. Once I tell them my true abilities, I know that they can help me land a suitable job for my skill set.
It’s good to know that you need to be honest about exactly what you want with your staffing agency recruiter to get the best results. My brother is looking into using a staffing agency for a construction project that he’s working on, and he wants to know what he can do to make the process more successful. I’ll share this information with him so that he can be honest and clear about what he needs.
Thanks for the advice to share your specific strengths and weaknesses for a job to a recruiter. I am looking to get a job now that I am done spending all of my time caring for my parents. I don’t know where to start, so I’ll find a staffing agency that can help me find a job.
I agree that you should tell your recruiter your expectations when you hire them. You want to make sure you’re on the same page. That way they can meet your expectations way easier.