Telling the truth is key to candidate-recruiter relationships

A successful relationship between recruiter and candidate is based upon the recruiter becoming a trusted advisor, but this can only be achieved if the candidate is open and honest throughout the recruitment process. “Some candidates can slip easily into telling small lies because they are trying to say what they think we want to hear,” explains Justin Murray of Norwich accountancy recruitment specialists, Big Sky Additions. “A strong relationship between candidate and recruitment advisor is based on trust and this relies upon the candidate being honest about the facts of their career so far and their aspirations for the future,” continues Justin, who recruits for full time and part time accountancy jobs in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Here are some of the most common lies Justin is told, and the reasons to avoid them:

1

The reason you left your last job

Getting sacked does not immediately make you a bad candidate, but lying about the reason you left your last job creates anxiety and will likely show in your performance during the interview and selection process. It can initially be frightening to share this truthful information with your recruiter, but doing so will enable them to help you to best explain this information appropriately, and present yourself in the best light at interview.

2

Your genuine interest in a role

Working with a recruiter means having another set of eyes identifying vacancies which may be of interest, in line with your background and skills. However the process is not flawless, and there may be times when a recruiter presents vacancies which are of no genuine interest – the key here is for the candidate to be honest up front. It is nothing personal if a vacancy just doesn’t feel right, and the more constructive feedback a candidate can give, the more fine tuning the recruiter is able to do to ensure a better match next time.

3

Your job search and interview activity

Using multiple avenues for your job search increases the chances of landing the right role, and high levels of interview activity can also be used to leverage other potential employers to move quickly. Keeping your recruiter in the picture about other opportunities will ensure that they are best placed to negotiate on your behalf.

4

Your skillsets and CV

Be honest with yourself and your recruiter about your core skills – don’t pretend to be proficient in a software system you’ve barely used or embellish your experience to try and fulfil an employer’s requirements. There is a job out there for everyone and misrepresenting yourself will not help you to find the perfect role.

5

Your salary requirements

Every recruiter’s goal is to get the highest rate possible for the candidate but it is important to be honest about your salary expectations.

“Integrity and honesty are at the top of the list for any successful relationship – this is true for both the recruiter and candidate relationship, and later the employer-employee relationship,” 

concludes Justin.

The benefits of job sharing

For further information about job sharing opportunities in Norwich contact Sam.