Public Finance Blog

Our next tip has to do with the question: What information do you share with your recruiter?  The answer is…anything and everything! They can influence a hiring manager’s decision about you, the candidate.  Surprises are the worst thing that can happen in the employment process.  

The Holes

Let’s start off with the relationship. The relationship you build with your recruiter is tantamount to the success you will have with him or her.  A good recruiter will spot holes in your story, and you are better at filling those holes with reasons or facts that make sense.  Remember, if a recruiter can see the gaps quickly, so can a hiring manager.  Gaps in your story (or things that you are holding back from your recruiter) in the long run will likely cause issues during background checks, etc.  Everyone knows someone at your firm that you may be leaving… and stories, whether correct or not, will follow you.  Therefore, it’s best you share those potential issues with your recruiter so that he or she can mitigate them (or, if not mitigate, share that with you).

Responsibility

We, as your recruiter, have a quasi-fiduciary responsibility. The reason I say “quasi” is because we are not bound by any law not to share information that may be harmful to your candidacy. However, we can and should be bound to you with an NDA, then you can be assured that we cannot and will not disclose anything pertinent to your career desires without your express permission.  I only recommend the NDA in the case where there are legal reasons why you may have left your last position, or you believe you are not employable in your current role.

Ridding Of Skeletons

In most cases, skeletons in the closet can be handled upfront by sharing the malfeasance with the hiring manager, so no surprises happen along the way.  That is what I totally recommend and do.  Handling the issue upfront puts the issue, usually, behind you (which most situations will result in).  Remember: surprises can and will kill deals. This means that it is best to share all info with your trusted recruiter.

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in this year’s Forbes, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.