Working with a recruiter to find the right position should make things easier, not more stressful for you. You are not just a potential commission, you are a real person looking for real employment in your field. A well-connected recruiter makes the effort to get to know their job candidates and companies well, and thoughtfully match them up to ensure the right fit.

Unfortunately though, some recruiters are simply looking to fill databases and don’t have the clients’ best interest at heart. When looking for a good staffing firm, or when contacted by a recruiter, it’s important to evaluate their sincerity and capability to land you the type of position you truly want, in an efficient manner.

Here are some red flags to watch out for during your initial contact with a recruiter.

They don’t listen

It’s a bad sign if they do all the talking from the start. Conversations with a recruiter should be a give and take. Their job is to sell you on the employer and the employer on you. If they are more interested in asking their questions and vetting you before you are allowed to offer any input on what you are looking for, they are wasting your time.

They aren’t specific

Maybe they won’t offer you anything specific at all. If a recruiter feeds you a line about having lots of jobs in their agency, but isn’t ready to divulge any details before assessing all your qualifications, they are likely sourcing you to fill a spot in their database, and not serious about timely employment. Details and specifics are key! Don’t settle for less.

They want your salary history

A recruiter should help you negotiate a good salary, not use your current or previous salaries to low-ball you or take away bargaining chips. They have no right or need to know that information. What they should do is inform you of the starting salaries at the companies they want to match you with and open discussion from there.

They offer no follow-through

If a recruiter says to just sit tight and not to contact them for updates until something comes up, they are not worthy of your trust. Relationships are key and updates essential. A good recruiter will keep in touch, whether things are moving fast or slow, and always be available to hear concerns and discuss options after the initial interview.

About NextGen

NextGen is the brainchild of longtime telecom professionals with nearly 50 years of experience and millions of dollars in Telecom Recruiting Services. We focus on establishing long term relationships with our clients and candidates so we can recruit the best and the brightest in the telecom industry. This ‘quality over quantity’ approach is at the heart of everything we do and has resulted in successful job placements at Fortune 1000 firms worldwide.