Always Download With Your Recruiter
As a 35 year medical recruiter, nothing galls me more than when a candidate fails to call me after an interview. I spend an inordinate amount of time preparing candidates for an interview and, in return, ask that the candidate call me to debrief after the interview takes place. Aside from my feelings, there are several reasons why it is vitally important that candidates connect with their recruiter IMMEDIATELY after an interview.
1.) The Recruiter Is Your Advocate
Our job is to not only fill our clients’ needs, but also to ensure that you are represented properly. We will fight to get you into the right situation provided that you follow up and supply us with the feedback we need. If I send five people out on a job order, and four of them report back to me and you don’t, do you think I’m going to fight to get you what you want?
2.) The Hiring Manager Wants Feedback
What does it say to a hiring manager if a candidate cannot take the time to contact his /her recruiter to download regarding thoughts, concerns, interest level, etc? You know what it says? it says the candidate is not interested. If you are truly interested in a position you had better let your recruiter know. If I do not hear back from a candidate I will let the hiring manager know, and all of a sudden your chances of landing this job have been greatly diminished.
3.) The Recruiter Is Part Of The Decision Making Process!
When I work with a client company, we establish timelines, itineraries, and the interview process. We will establish who makes the ultimate decision. I am, for all intents and purposes, the initial screener. If they don’t get by me, they don’t get to interview. My feedback to my client is very important to them. When we are at the final stages of the process, all of us round table and discuss each candidate. And my input is not only important, it is vital. By failing to call me after an interview, the candidate is ignoring a key member of the decision process, and I will recommend that they move in another direction.
4.) The Relationship Is Built On Mutual Respect
Look, I understand that candidates have busy schedules and may be late for an appointment after the interview. I get it. So, how about sending a text or a quick e-mail arranging a time to talk later in the day? Nothing wrong with that. I laugh when candidates call me four days after an interview wanting feedback. Really? If you don’t call me after an interview rest assured that I am not going to call you. And rest assured that the next time an opportunity arises, you will be at the back of the pack.
Candidates need to respect the role of the recruiter he/ she is working with. And part of that respect is to understand that a recruitment professional is a vital cog in the interview process. With that respect comes the responsibility to communicate with that recruiter throughout the process as he/ she can make or break your chances of landing the position. More on this later.
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