The Importance of Etiquette in Your Relationship with a Recruiter

Don’t bare your soul.
Don’t expect the recruiter to be your best friend.
Don’t use demeaning forms of address with the recruiter.
Don’t manipulate your background and experience to fit the opportunity.
Don’t be arrogant or pretentious.
Don’t discuss how much money the recruiter will make if he places you.
Don’t expect an interview to translate into a job offer.
Don’t accept an interview with a company unless you are genuinely interested.
Don’t ramble on when interviewing.
Don’t demean or badmouth your prior employers.
Don’t be late.
Don’t interview when ill.
Don’t throw any tantrums.
Don’t complain about the search process.
Don’t let your ego get out of control.
Don’t wear strong perfumes or colognes.
Don’t send a photo of yourself with your résumé.
Don’t send in the buffaloes (gifts or trinkets).
Don’t harass or hound the recruiter.
Don’t call and say, “Hi, it’s John.”
Don’t write a nasty note to the recruiter if you don’t get the job.
Don’t abuse the receptionist.
Don’t circumvent the recruiter and call the potential employer yourself.
Don’t assume business casual is okay for an interview.
Don’t think you’re a candidate for every job.
Don’t tell us your career has been perfect.
Don’t forget your table manners.
Don’t try to date the search professional or the client executives or staff members.
Do make yourself available.
Do give the recruiter your compensation information.

Source: Smooch S. Reynolds, founder, president, and CEO of the Repovich-Reynolds Group and author of Be Hunted! 12 Secrets to Get on the Headhunter’s Radar Screen