Candidate Quiz
From Negotiate Your Job Offer by Mary Simon, published by John Wiley & Sons

True or False...

1. A professional recruiter's job is to help people find new positions.
The correct answer is False. Executive recruiters are paid by companies to find people who meet specific needs within their organizations.

2. If you are thinking about changing careers, an executive search firm is your best resource.
The correct answer is False. Companies usually engage search firms to find proven commodities; that is, people who have performed the job they need done in another setting and are looking for a linear career progression. If you are contemplating a complete career shift - and most people will, at least twice in their careers - a professional career counselor can provide objective advice and diagnostic testing. A search firm with a specialty in your new career of choice may be a good resource for learning what kinds of opportunities are out there, but the recruiter will probably not personally place you in your next position.

3. Your first conversation with a recruiter sets the tone for the rest of the relationship.
The correct answer is True. A good recruiter can be an ally for the rest of your career. Even if you are not looking to change jobs right this minute, respond to a recruiter's phone call with professionalism and courtesy and offer to help as a source when you can. You will find an appreciative resource of market information on your side when you want to make a change or are simply looking for data on the employment marketplace.

4. Only large companies use search firms to fill positions.
The correct answer is False. Companies that use recruiters come in many shapes and sizes.

5. There are several steps you can take to establish a search firms professional style, reputation and integrity.
The correct answer is True. You are not at the mercy of unprofessional recruiters. For some ideas on doing your homework in this area, refer to the Checklist for Evaluating Recruiters. At the same time, be aware that:

• The recruiter may not be permitted to share the name of his or her client on an initial contact.
• If the opportunity presented is not of direct interest to you, you can lay the groundwork for a continuing relationship with this recruiter by offering to provide basic data about yourself and by suggesting other individuals who might be qualified for the opportunity at hand.