FINANCE/ACCOUNTING CAREERS

Help Me Help You: Working With a Recruiter

There’s no question that looking for a job can be stressful. Finding a position that’s an excellent match with your skill set and career goals can take weeks or months, even in an employment market that remains strong for accounting and finance professionals. One way to make the whole process easier is to work with a recruiter.

As an expert in the field, a recruiter can help you better target your efforts to the most promising opportunities. And because these professionals have deep networks of business contacts across a broad range of industries, they can help you expedite your search by connecting you to businesses that may not have yet announced job openings. A recruiter also may help you refine your application materials, increasing your chances of being asked in for an interview.

Following are some ways you can maximize your relationship with recruiting professionals:

Choose carefully. Not all recruiters are created equal; you need to select the one that’s right for your needs. It’s important that the firm you select specializes in the accounting and finance field. That way, the recruiter or recruiters you’ll work with have an understanding of your needs and the expectations of potential employers. In addition to conducting your own search for recruiters in your area, consider asking friends and relatives for referrals.

When you meet with recruiters, try to gauge the level of rapport you have with them. You want to be comfortable with the individuals and confident they fully understand the kind of position you’re seeking. Be suspicious of any recruiter who asks you to pay for job-search services: Their services should be free because they’re paid a fee by companies to locate job candidates.

Be an open book. Your recruiter needs to know as much as possible about your professional life so he or she can find the best position for you, so be honest about your background, experience and career aspirations. You need to disclose any aspects of your work history that could generate concern from a prospective employer, such as a termination or long break in your work history.

In addition, it’s beneficial to share your outside activities and interests with recruiters: For example, if you’re actively involved in your local chapter of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a recruiter could leverage this information when speaking to hiring managers about you. Or, if you’re a passionate traveler, a recruiter may locate a position that requires you annually visit a company’s Beijing headquarters.

Follow up. After each employment interview a recruiter arranges, call to let him or her know how the meeting went. Your feedback can provide useful information during follow-up communication with the employer. You also may receive some valuable insight into your interview skills and learn about any concerns the hiring manager expressed.

Be patient. While a skilled recruiter can significantly improve your odds of landing a job, even the most successful professionals need time to find the right position for you. Don’t become discouraged if you aren’t being sent out on interviews as frequently as you’d prefer; recruiters are always mining their sources for job leads, but will arrange interviews only for positions that are a good match with your skills and objectives. Keep in mind that you can always call your recruiter with questions: Checking in on a regular basis helps ensure you’re both focused on the most appropriate opportunities for you.

A recruiting professional can be a great complement to your own job searching activities, opening the door to new opportunities. However, remember to be forthright if there are any changes in your availability. Treat recruiters like partners in your search: If you’re interviewing for other jobs that you’ve set up on your own, let them know. By keeping recruiters apprised of your activities throughout your search, you’ll increase your chances of being hired. Happy (job) hunting!

Founded in 1948, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, a division of Robert Half International Inc., is first and largest specialized financial recruiting service. The company has more than 360 offices worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.roberthalf.com.