• The official blog of Abacus Group — a place to share our knowledge and thoughts on trends in recruiting •

If you’ve never worked with a recruiter before, you probably have a lot of questions about how to prepare or what to expect for your first meeting. Although it will be similar to a job interview, there are a lot of key differences that are important for you to understand. Here are the top tips on how to make the most of your first meeting with a recruiter from our recruiters here at Abacus Group.

Good First Impressions result in Great Relationships

Although your recruiter might say it is an informal meeting, you will still want to be presentable and professional. Be on time, have a few copies of your most recent resume, and dress to impress! “Business casual is a safe go-to!” says Senior Recruiter Radha Dani.
Dianne Perlman, Director of Accounting & Finance adds, “We’re also not only looking at your skills and experience but also your presence, personality, professionalism, and energy level.” Therefore, it is important to be yourself. Putting on a facade will only limit your recruiter’s ability to place you in the perfect position for you!

They Were Once in Your Shoes

It might seem like your recruiter is solely in the business of getting you a job, but most likely their professional career started in the industry that they now recruit for. Alex Blakeslee, Accounting and Finance Executive Recruiter explains, “We all started in the accounting and finance field, so we’ve been in your shoes before; we know the ins and outs of the skills, positions, and companies.”

Know What You Want Before the Meeting

Your resume will tell your recruiter where you’ve been, but it’s up to you to tell them where you want to go. So, before your meeting, do some research and have a clear idea of what you would like your next position to be. “You should think about and prioritize what’s most important to you in your next role – industry, location, type of work, environment, etc.” says Chris Cook, Director of Accounting & Finance.

Trust What they Have to Say

Just as it’s important to be honest with your recruiter, know they’re also going to be honest with you, so listen to what they have to say and trust their guidance. Samantha Garcia, Office Support Executive Recruiter, explains, “Recruiters will always have your best interest at heart, and they know the market inside and out, so if they suggest that what you seek isn’t feasible, trust them.”

Remember this is the Beginning of a Career Long Relationship

The most important thing to remember is that this first meeting is only the beginning. “We aren’t here to just help right now and forget about you. We want to build a rapport that will last for years to come,” says Alex Blakeslee. Because of that, make sure you’re keeping your recruiter up to date. Dianne Perlman explains, “Your recruiter can be your best ally in your search, so be responsive to all calls, emails, texts, etc. during the process, and keep in contact even after you get placed.”