If you’ve been around the job-search block, you have likely interacted with a recruiter, for better or worse. Unfortunately, there are simply some bad recruiters out there and, as Bon Jovi might lament, they give the business of headhunting a bad name. The barrier to entry into the world of recruiting is unfortunately low; anyone armed with a set of $10 business cards from the interwebs, a laptop, and free wi-fi from their local coffee shop can pass as a recruiter nowadays.

That said, the state of affairs should not dissuade you from working with a good recruiter who knows their craft. When you partner with the right recruiter, you will maximize your job search efforts and likely have an optimal experience with the hiring organization they represent. A good recruiter will be your agent in the job marketplace and present job opportunities that are a good fit, advocate your qualifications, properly negotiate your compensation package, provide valuable insight that no job posting or internal recruiter will offer, and coach you where necessary to help navigate the interview process in the best possible manner.

Before you choose to work with a recruiter, it’s important to apply some good judgment and requirements of your own. Like many things in life, having discriminating taste in choosing a recruiter will often yield a satisfying, memorable, and desirable experience and outcome. Whom you choose to work with can make the difference between a job opportunity being a total timesuck or finding the job of your dreams. Here are some tips to finding and working with a good recruiter:

Ask if they meet their candidates. If a local recruiter insists on working with you by phone and email, perhaps they are more transactional in nature and not necessarily seeking to get to know you and have your long-term best interests in mind. A recruiter that requests to meet you in person is demonstrating a desire and willingness to go beyond what they see on your resume and actually get to know you, understand your career goals, and help you find your ideal job. If you are asked on a coffee date, accept the offer for a free coffee and do so gladly. These recruiters will not waste your time and will help you find the right role for you.

Ask for their area of specialization. Most recruiters specialize in a particular industry, functional roles, and geographic location. If a recruiter comes across as a generalist and doesn’t represent the type of opportunity and role you are seeking, you are probably better off finding one who does. A recruiter with the proper subject matter expertise will increase your chances of finding the right position and organization.

Ask if they have a current contract in place with the company they are representing. You would be amazed at how many recruiters will contact a candidate with a phantom role. It is common practice by some agencies to fish for candidates with the a bullseye background and use these candidates to gain access to a particular company by dangling a rockstar in front of the hiring manager or internal recruiter in order to get a contract in place. Don’t be bait for another recruiter and agency. A reputable recruiter will already have an established contract and relationship in place with their client.

Ask for credentials. Any self-respecting recruiter is more than happy to discuss their qualifications as a recruiter, years of experience, background, etc. Use your best judgment in assessing who is right for you. If your gut is telling you to run away, run away. There are numerous other recruiters that will better serve your needs.

It takes a village. Have a team of 3-5 recruiters working for you. We are your eyes and ears in the job market. A recruiter with subject matter expertise in your desired industry will have access to job opportunities that are exclusive, not advertised, or are not visible in your normal job-posting channels. Leverage the contacts and network of your recruiter in order to have access to the best job leads.

Finding a new job is hard work. If you can find the right recruiting partners, you will maximize your chances of snagging the job of your dreams, but it requires a little due diligence and time on your part. In the immortal words of Jerry Maguire, “help me help you!”

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