The Recruiter is the Gate Keeper

When it comes down to it the recruiter is the one who decides if you get to move forward in the process or not so please - treat them with respect. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are first contacted by a recruiter.

• When a recruiter emails you to set up a phone call please be polite to them in your response. If you can't speak at the time they propose offer some other times you would be available to speak. Don't sound annoyed in your response, don't be high maintenance, and make an effort to find a time that will work as soon as possible. Remember you could be one of many candidates the requiter is speaking so the sooner to get the process started, the better.
  
• When the recruiter calls don't say things like "Oh, I forgot we you were going to call" or "What company are you calling from?" How about saying something like "I was expecting your call" or "Thanks for calling."
  
• Show that you have interest in the company and the job. The recruiter has taken the time to review your resume, show some respect and review the companies website. Nothing is more frustrating than speaking with a candidate who hasn't taken the time to research the recruiters company. Take it a step further, research the recruiter - get to know a little bit about them. Just like you, they most likely have an online presence. (Researching the company and the recruiter is another posting in itself, so stay tuned.)
• If the recruiter is a few minutes late calling you (5-10), please don't call them or send them a frantic/impatient email. Just like it happens to you, schedules can change on a dime and something might prevent them from calling you at the exact minute they said they would. If you don't hear from them in 20 minutes of the time scheduled then give them a ring, or send them an email. They will appreciate you following up and understanding that something came up. And the same should be expected in return. You don't need to have a panic attack if you miss a phone call. Recruiters understand being pulled into emergency meetings, a delay in finding a quite place to speak or a place with decent cell phone reception. Just make an effort to get back to them ASAP to arrange another time to speak.
  

In recruiting first impressions are a big deal, don't blow your opportunity to get through the gate by making some or all of the above mistakes.