Partnering with a talented, experienced and trustworthy technology recruiter is a smart choice for any IT pro. This rule applies whether you are fresh out of school looking for your first gig, or an experienced candidate hoping for a new challenge. The top recruiters know their way around the industry and can help ensure you put your best foot forward when applying for a new position.

If you are in the market for an IT recruiter as a partner, here are a few tips and insights to make your search a fruitful one. A little effort on your part and soon you will be in the technology job of your dreams. Good luck in both of your searches!

Learning to Trust Your Recruiter

In a competitive IT industry, finding a recruiter you can trust is a key factor in developing a career-long partnership with them. Dennis Reina, co-founder of Reina, a trust-building consultancy, commented on how confidence becomes trust.

“Trust is confidence born of three dimensions: Character, communication and competence. Trust is always present. So you may not realize that trust isn’t there until something is missing,” said Reina. Understanding these three dimensions of trust plays a key role in finding a great recruiter.

Honesty and Character

A recruiter who is always upfront – be it about open positions, your qualifications, etc. – tends to possess the trustworthy character to make them a valuable partner for your job search. When first meeting with them pay close attention to their speaking manner and body language when asking meaningful questions about the clients they serve and their experience in the IT industry.

Upfront Communication

Any recruiter needs to completely describe each open position for which you may be a candidate. Treat any failure to disclose key information, like the expected salary range or the stability of the company as a red flag. Recruiters who communicate in a transparent manner are the best.

Technical Competence

Tech recruiters need to fully understand jobs in the IT industry and what skills they require. Being presented for a position where your abilities don’t match the job requirements only serves to waste your time. Additionally, they need the negotiating chops to be able to get you the best salary for your skill set and experience level.

Take heed of all these factors when trying to find a technology recruiter as a partner.

When searching for a great IT recruiter to work with, look no farther than the team at MindFinders. As one of the top technology staffing firms in Washington, D.C., we also know the companies looking for talented professionals. Connect with us at your earliest convenience.

Written by Tim Booker, President and CEO of MindFinders, with over 20 years of industry experience.