How Much Should You Tell That Recruiter?
You’ve been contacted by a recruiter with whom you’ve not previously spoken about an opportunity that’s peaked your interest.
How much information should you be ready to share?
If you’ve asked the right questions and feel you’re dealing with a reputable individual, then you must be prepared to entrust him with a certain level of confidentiality.
In order to determine the viability of your candidacy, the recruiter needs to know a few basic facts about you. One of those is the salary you’re currently earning.
If you’re unwilling to discuss your compensation, then you shouldn’t be dealing with a recruiter. This isn’t the time to be cagey.
The recruiter isn’t trying to nickel and dime you; when he fills the position, his payment is a percentage of the salary the finalist candidate accepts. It’s in his best interest to help candidates negotiate the best deal possible.
He needs to know what you’re earning, though, to ascertain whether or not this is a deal that can be closed, to convince the hiring company to increase its range, etc.
Candidate compensation is one of the basic facts hiring companies expect to know about prospective candidates. If that piece of information is missing, don’t expect them to chat with you.
Here’s a real-life example: a candidate I identified as a potential fit for a senior level, high-profile business development position with an A-list company wanted to keep mum about money.
On paper, this fellow was an almost identical match for the position description. An added bonus was the fact that he was a local candidate, which of course would have been attractive to the hiring company since no relocation costs would be incurred.
However, he would not disclose his salary to me – and was quite adamant about not doing so.
Ultimately, he was excluded from consideration. The client did not interview him, and the job went to someone else.
That said, before you disclose what you’re earning, it’s certainly not inappropriate for you to attempt to get a sense from the recruiter what your skills might be worth. He should, of course, already have indicated to you the compensation range for the position in question.
This excellent job search article by Rebecca Metschke.
Interview skills courses
Remember interview skills can be improved. There are some excellent interview skills courses that you can access which will give you the opportunity to ask in-depth questions, learn and gain a deeper understanding of the whole recruitment process. Alternatively you may be able to find interview skills workshops that address current issues in your area.
By familiarising yourself with difficult interview questions you are likely to be asked, your interview skills presentation will seem more natural and your confidence will increase. You can also find some popular interview questions and interview questions you may be asked here at The Personal Development Cafe.
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