Career Advice - Working with Recruiters

Whether you have been headhunted, applied to a media campaign, been referred to us or are selected from our Talent Pool, the first thing to understand is that our primary client is the end employer. The client employs Antal to find the best person for a particular role and our recruiters will normally use a variety of search, selection and other sourcing methodologies to source, assess and filter the talent we source on behalf of the client.

Many of our consultants specialise in a functional skill set or discipline and are aligned with specific industry sectors giving them extensive market oversight so take the time to find out who you should address your application to.

You should have a good idea and be as specific as you can in selecting which industry sectors and perhaps companies you might be prepared to work for.

Understand the recruiter's timescales and those of the client

- Remember in many cases there will be other candidates, both external and internal in the hiring and selection process - so don't forget to market yourself.

- Be prepared to answer questions designed to validate, highlight and showcase good decision making, results, leadership and of course your skills.

- When you are introduced to a potential employer - keep our recruiter informed at every stage as to your desire to continue in the process, your feedback and your queries and questions on the role, and on the company and future colleagues.

- If anything changes, let your recruiter know.

Try not to be drawn into protracted negotiations direct with a potential employer as often the starting points are not aligned - You want more of a package without appearing ungrateful, the clients wants a good commercial deal based on their view of you - sometimes there can be expectation gaps - Let the Antal International consultant assist you through the offer and negotiation process.

Antal consultants are here to find great people for similarly great careers - our motivation is to source, guide and place candidates who can add significant value to their new role with our clients. To achieve this, we need clarity, integrity, motivation, communication and a mutual respect.

- Be honest about your past experience, education, income or other issues. The facts will likely surface later on and can minimise your success.

- Keep appointments, return calls, and communicate. Have ready references, both business and personal ready.

- Avoid unnecessary follow-up. It's counterproductive. The recruiter or client will call you if he or she has a good reason.

- Don't aim to get an offer to gain leverage at your current job. This strategy of gaining a promotion or raise is counterproductive.

If, for whatever reason you don't make it to the next round be aware that there are others in the process.

Working with a recruiter has benefits that include:
- Commitment: Companies using a recruiter are serious about their vacancy.

- Presentation: A recruiter introducing you to a client makes you stand out from the crowd of applicants.

- Opens up more opportunity: Many searches are confidential.

- Preparation: We can provide valuable insight into the client company, culture and people.

- Our relationship with candidates is based on trust and mutual respect.

- Together, we can explore the options within our client that are best suited to you.