If you work in the tech industry, chances are you’ve been contacted by a recruiter. As you know, those with IT skills and experience are in high demand. And it certainly can be flattering for you. But before you make a move and hand over your resume, make sure their level of expertise and what they’re offering is a good fit for you. Start by asking these key questions first:
#1: How long have you been recruiting?
You want to ensure they have experience and you’re not the first candidate they place.
#2: Do you have specialty experience in the IT industry?
It’s best to go with a recruiter who specializes in IT placements, rather than a jack-of-all-trades. They can better understand your background and match you with the right-fit opportunities.
#3: How many tech candidates do you place in a typical year?
This question again helps you gauge the level of experience the recruiter has in the IT industry.
#4: Would I be able to speak to them about their experience with you?
If there’s a long pause in the conversation, this is a red flag. After all, you’re potentially putting your job search into their hands and want to ensure you’ll have a positive experience and outcome.
#5: How long have you worked with the company?
When a tech recruiter has a specific opportunity in mind for you, it’s important to try and understand their relationship with the company. How many people did they place there last year? And how many positions have they filled in the IT department?
#6: Does the company or department exclusively use you or your agency to recruit?
If they do, then you have a better chance at getting noticed by the hiring manager and landing interviews.
#7: How does the process work with your agency?
When working with a recruiter, it’s important to know what to expect, especially when it comes to communication. Will they follow-up with you regularly? Do they only contact you once an opportunity comes up that’s a good fit for you? Will they give you feedback after an interview? And how will the communicate? By phone or email?
#8: Tell me about the job.
If there’s a specific opportunity a tech recruiter has in mind for you, you need to know the details before you agree to an interview. What are the top five qualifications for the position? What are the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities? And what’s the culture like at the hiring company?
#9: Why is this position open?
Again, if there’s a specific position in mind, it’s important to dig for details. Is the position open due to company growth? Is it a new position, or did someone leave? If so, why? And how long has the position been open for? If it’s for an extended period, then that’s a red flag.
#10: How much do your services cost?
A reputable recruiter gets paid by the hiring company, not the job candidate. So you want to ensure you only partner with those who don’t charge you for their services.
Interested in putting Morgan Hunter on your list of tech recruiters to consider working with?
Simply give us a call. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of IT professionals – like you – find excellent career opportunities in and around Kansas City. We can offer you a range of opportunities on a contract or full-time basis. Search our available Kansas City IT jobs now. Or contact us today.
