So, they said they were IT recruiters. And sure, they seem to speak your language, but do they genuinely know the difference between their C and C++ - their PHP from their Python? Do they know the tools you use, the software you’ve mastered? How about your development methodologies? They should do, and if they don’t, you should hotfoot it over to an agency that does.

Before we go any further, we’ll let you into a secret – the tech industry is a relatively well-paid one, compared to many others. Unsurprisingly, many an ambitious recruiter has set up shop specialising in this area, with only limited knowledge of the ins and outs of this technical industry. 

Well, not us. We specialise solely in software and web experts, and each of our consultants only recruit for one niche (and it’s been that way since we started, in 2012).

Recruiters LOVE candid candidates – the ones who lay their cards on the table, who let you know their strengths, their weaknesses, their must-haves and their absolute-won’t-dos. Getting to know one another is a critical foundation for a long-lasting relationship with your recruiter.

As for staying in touch – talk about how you’ll best communicate – whether by email, phone, text – tell them what will work for you.

Here’s the thing – any recruiter worth their salt is there for their candidate clients, just as much as they are for the businesses they’re recruiting for. Here’s what you should expect from them. 

A good recruiter will help you…

• Understand the current jobs market and where the lucrative, career-building positions are.
• Write a killer cover letter that makes it straight onto the interview pile.
• Overhaul your CV so your experience reflects the position you’re applying for.
• Prepare you for that all-important, stomach-churning interview, sweaty palms and all.
• Set out a strategy for career progression, way beyond that temporary placement
• Future-proof your skillset – letting you know if and how your knowledge base may be impacted by shifts in the tech industry.
• Negotiate the best salary package.

You’ve done the informal interview, chatted over coffee, handed them your CV. Surely, you’re done, now right? Your recruiter will recruit, you’ll sit back and await your interview invite. Any, day, now.

Hmm. While your recruiter should be hard at work, so too should you – and you should let them know about every last effort you’re making. Recruiters LOVE proactive candidates – the ones who are researching roles, checking out job boards, blogging on the industry, and taking on ambitious projects for no other reason but testing their coding dexterity (they always make for model employees).

We’ve got news for you –the “is he, isn’t he?” availability of a passive candidate is pretty attractive to employers. 

You appear loyal, in demand. They feel that you create value for your current employer, and they don’t have to double check the reasons for you leaving your last position. 

As for your recruiter, think of them as a partner for a secret job search – you’re receptive to new opportunities, quick to feedback, open about where you want to go next - pay, position and timescale. 

So you found and accepted a position elsewhere – either through an agency or from your own searching and scouring. Don’t leave your hard-working recruiter hanging –it’ll be helpful for them to know about your current status (and we’ll only say congratulations, and perhaps chink our cups of tea in the office!).

You got your dream job. You paid your platitudes, then went on your way – not even looking over your shoulder at your recruiter.