Kelly writes:
I’ve been using an executive recruiter to find a new job, and it has worked well. I just came back from an interview for a job that is perfect for me, and with a company I want to work for. I immediately called my recruiter and told him how I felt. Should I still write a thank-you letter to the employer? I don’t want to upset my recruiter by going around him. What do you think I should do?
The Career Doctor responds:
I’m glad you wrote me this question because I don’t get many emails about working with recruiters (also referred to as headhunters), and they can be a valuable addition to your job search.
There are recruiters for just about every profession/industry and location. The relationship is often stronger when a recruiter contacts you, but job-seekers — especially those with several years of experience — should at least research potential headhunters when undertaking a job-search.
A couple of other pieces of information. Recruiters work for the employer, and they get paid when they place someone in the position. Job-seekers never have to pay a fee to reputable recruiters — because the employer pays the fee.
That all said, yes, you should always tell your recruiter exactly how you felt about a particular prospective employer - especially when you are as sure as you seem to be. It’s then the recruiter’s job to push your candidacy with the employer.
However, working with a recruiter does not suspend basic job-search etiquette, and you most certainly should write thank-you notes to all the folks you interviewed with. Doing so will not undermine the recruiter.
For more information and articles related to using headhunters, please go to this section of Quintessential Careers: Recruiter/Headhunter Resources, Directories & Associations
Finally, check out these Sample Job Interview and Career Thank-You Letters published on Quintessential Careers.
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