How We Work

We are glad you are interested in working with Prairie Engineering. Together, with diligence, patience, and our guidance we will assist you in taking your career where you want it to go.

There are, however, several rules which we ask you to observe. These are guidance steps, which will help introduce you to our clients in the most efficient and confidential manner possible.

First, once we get your resume and completed profile we may call you on the telephone to go over some questions we may have. We ask your cooperation in answering many personal questions about your current income status, your ability to relocate, and the status of your family in making your next career step. We will also ask you questions about your current job, your company's reporting structure, and other pertinent areas that will help us properly place you in your next position. All information provided to us is strictly confidential and is never shared with outside agencies.

Of course, confidentiality is a two-way street. We can't always tell you the name of our clients, and we will never tell you the names of other candidates we may be working with. Also, we ask that you never speak to anyone about open searches we have presented to you for consideration.
 

Our Recruiting Psychology Is Designed To Increase Your Chances
   

Once you have been presented to one of our client companies, it is important to remain patient. Some companies take weeks or months to make decisions about whom they wish to interview. Please do not call your recruiter to determine your status; you will be informed the same day a decision is made by our client. And NEVER contact our client directly while you are pending – it may terminate your candidacy.

The process moves much faster when our client decides that they would like to meet you. Consequently, you must be prepared on short notice to invest some time in the interviewing process. Specifically that means taking time off, usually in the middle of the day, to meet with our client. If your current employer offers you personal days or vacation days as part of your benefits package, plan ahead and set several days aside every year for the sole purpose of interviewing.

Next, have the names and telephone numbers of at least three references ready for your recruiter to contact. In most searches, we will speak with your references before you meet with our client. We do not deal with written references, so please do not submit any. It is helpful, however, for you to contact your references in a timely manner, and inform them you are working with a recruiter, who may be calling soon to ask some confidential questions.

Prior to every interview, we will brief you as best we can about our client and whom you will be meeting, but it is essential that you make time to investigate the company on your own. Go to your local library, or search the client’s web site, and pull all available information about the organization you'll be visiting. Due diligence is your responsibility.

One advantage of working with a recruiter is having a third party involved to help you get the most out of the interviews – make the most of it. The time you spend with our client may determine your entire future. Prepare for your interviews as if your entire career depended upon it.

After every interview, it is in your interest to call your recruiter as soon as possible – ideally, within the hour. No matter how bad you may think the interview was, call your recruiter, who may be able to patch things up with the client company. We need to hear from you BEFORE our client calls us to discuss the interview. Failure to contact your recruiter immediately after an interview can and, most likely will, ruin your candidacy.

Remain honest in your debriefings with your recruiter. Everything you tell us remains confidential right through the interviewing and hiring process. We need to know about your issues and feelings in order to honestly broker a deal.

Of course, not all interviews are successful. If our client does not think you are appropriate for an opening, we will let you know why.

Finally, keep us posted about any changes in your current employment status (did you just get a pay raise or promotion?). More importantly, notify us about any change of address. Remember that it can take months for the right opportunity to come across our desks – and there's nothing more frustrating than holding that perfect job opening and being unable to locate you!


TIPS FOR WORKING WITH RECRUITERS

  Be honest!  
 
  Buy an answering machine if you don't already own one. Use a brief, formal message on the machine. Remember that a prospective employer may be calling. Use a message that won't embarrass you.  
 
  Alert everyone in your household of your search and the need for their cooperation, courtesy and accurate message taking.
 
  Explain reasons for all past job changes to your recruiter.  
 
  Don't call a recruiter just to "test the waters" or "see what's out there." He/she is under the impression that you are serious about finding a new position.  
 
  Don't call a recruiter just to "test the waters" or "see what's out there." He/she will be under the impression that you are not serious about finding a new position.  
 
  Tell your recruiter your exact income. Breakout into base salary, bonus, commission, etc. and give last year's W-2 gross. If there is a question, the recruiter or client company can always ask for a W-2.  
 
  Explain any situations to your recruiter that may warrant problems with relocation, such as jobs for your spouse, special schools for your children, allergies, etc. Remember: The more open you are to relocation, the better your chances will be in finding a position.  
 
  Inform your recruiter if you are already interviewing, have a job offer, etc. By doing so, your recruiter is able to obtain offers more quickly, and in general, appear more informed to their clients and affiliates about your situation.  
 
  Be truthful with your recruiter. Many recruiters network their applicants, so inconsistencies will be obvious.  
 
  Don't talk to a recruiter unless you have discussed a job search and relocation preferences with your spouse or significant other.  
 
  Limit yourself to working with a few recruiters, and make sure they have expertise in your area.  
 
  Identify yourself by your full name when you call to speak with the recruiter. Recruiters work with thousands of applicants and may not know who you are if you just say, "This is Jim."  
 
  Notify your recruiter if you move, change telephone numbers or you have a new email address. Even though you may not be interested in a new position today, you may still want to receive mailings or phone calls about opportunities in the future.  
 
  Don't ever accept a job offer and later turn it down. Some recruiters will not work with an applicant again if this happens.  
 
  If your situation changed radically and you can't report to work as agreed, notify your new employer and recruiter IMMEDIATELY. Not showing up on your start date or calling your new employer on your start date (instead of earlier) is discourteous and considered reprehensible by employers and recruiters. Remember that word of your behavior often travels.  
 
  Don't agree to a personal interview if you know before hand that you will definitely not accept an offer with the company. Be positive and patient. Good things take time.  


Good luck!