Managing Offers from Recruiters

A recruiter can help make your job search easier or let you know about new opportunities when you weren't even looking. Here's how to manage offers and keep a positive relationship with recruiters while looking out for your own career goals.

If you've filed your resume with a recruiting agency or applied for a specific job through a recruiter, it's important to keep your recruiter informed of the current status of your job search. Make sure you're not applying for the same job they've already sent your resume to, and let them know what jobs you've already applied to or if you've had any job offers.

When considering an offer from a recruiter, do your own research about the company you're applying to. Although a good recruiter will be honest, they'll portray the company they're representing in the best light possible and also will likely advertise the salary at the low end of the company's range. Look for outside reviews of the company to get a fuller picture of the company culture and what you can expect.

If you receive an offer, consider it with your own career goals in mind. It can be flattering if a recruiter reaches out to you when you weren't even looking, but compare how your current job and the new opportunity match your long-term goals, not just salary and benefits.

If you're in the market for a new job and applying through a recruiter, be ready to sell yourself. While this is true for any job application, recruiters often look for impressive qualifications as they need to ensure they're presenting the best candidates. Be prepared to justify how your experience fits with their agency or with a specific job's requirements.

And finally, whether you get a job from the recruiter or you decide to turn it down, maintain a good relationship with the recruiter. Show appreciation for their effort and keep them informed on your career progress. A good recruiter can become a useful part of your network.