It’s a great time to be in the job hunt. Unemployment is low, jobs are being created every day and as a result, you might be hearing from multiple recruiters a week. But how do you know when you’ve found a good recruiter versus one that isn’t putting your best interests first?

To find the answer to this question, all we had to do was look at the amazing recruiters we have at Synergis. Thinking about the traits they possess and how they work and interact with candidates on a daily basis, we came up with these 7 attributes that you need to look for in a recruiter.

1. Curios

To find the right job, your recruiter needs to know a lot about you. Your personality and the way you work have a lot to do with what companies would cultivate your success. Some people prefer to work in a dynamic team environment – but that’s not for everyone. Your recruiter should know this about you. But they should be in tune with the client’s work environment and culture as well. Knowing what’s going to work for you, and what won’t, is key to finding you the best fit.

2. Transparent

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sometimes, recruiters might make the job sound a bit better than it is. You want someone who is going to be upfront with you and tell you all the facts, even if they know it means you aren’t going to be interested. Otherwise, you could end up at a job that doesn’t make you happy. And no one wants that.

3. Knowledgeable

For recruiters to be up front about the position, they need to be knowledgeable about the client they are representing. If they don’t know about the work environment, the team, or the company in general, how are they going to be able to tell if you are a fit? Ask the recruiter questions to gauge how much they know about the client. If they seem uninformed about the client, walk away.

4. Definitive

If you’ve been consulting for a while, you probably know the process like the back of your hand. But, that doesn’t mean the recruiter shouldn’t go over it with you anyway as it can vary by job and by company. Make sure they’re telling you about when in-person interviews should happen, what they require in the on-boarding process if you’re hired and what the recruiter’s role will be after you’re placed. If anything comes up in the interim, they should communicate that to you as well so you are up to date on the situation.

5. Flexible

Many times, when you’re job searching, you have an existing job that you have to work around. Leaving work early or using your lunch break to interview can be tough. A good recruiter will understand this and be willing to speak with you after hours. They understand your situation and want to make the process as easy on you as possible. You probably won’t have this option when the time comes to interview in person with the client, but the recruiter should still work within your schedule when setting up interviews.

6. Communicative

If you get the job, it’s important that your recruiter keeps in touch with you. A good recruiter wants to make sure you’re happy at your job by checking in with you on a regular basis. Some recruiters even take their consultants out for coffee or lunch to keep the lines of communication open. Also, if you didn’t get the job, make sure you’ve found a recruiter that will keep you in mind for any future positions.

7. Compassionate

There are lots of moving pieces when trying to fill a job for a client. But for a recruiter, one of their main priorities should be your best interest. After all, this is your career, your financial stability and your happiness.

The lesson when choosing a recruiter? Make sure the recruiter encompasses all these traits and you’ll have positive and fruitful experiences going forward! If you’re looking for your next gig, please contact us.