Also referred to as headhunters, staffing firms, employment agencies or executive search firms, recruiters are in a unique position to bring employers and candidates together. They make it their business to understand the needs and preferences of both parties and take pride in their ability to expertly match these interests.

With this goal in mind, recruiters also serve as an excellent source of career guidance and information. They can offer interview tips, salary data, resume advice and other suggestions to help you improve your marketability. And once an employer decides to make an offer, the recruiter becomes a valuable go-between in helping you and the prospective employer reach a mutually satisfying agreement.

Despite the prominent role that recruiters play in the employment market, many job seekers are unsure how best to work with these placement professionals. If you are weighing the possibility of working with a recruiter, here are some pointers to help you make the most of this potentially valuable relationship.

Turn to a specialist. Accounting and finance professionals are best served by working with a specialized recruiting firm. Not only do these companies offer more opportunities in their areas of focus than generalist firms can, but they have a strong sense of the marketplace in a given field. As a result, they can help candidates accurately assess their worth, form realistic expectations about employment opportunities and identify openings that are a good match for their specific skills and preferences.

Be honest with the recruiter. For recruiters to truly serve your interests, they need a solid understanding of your qualifications and experience. Help the recruiter understand your background and goals by presenting a concise but thorough summary of your career history. Be completely honest in discussing your past compensation and current expectations, as well as any important details pertaining to previous positions. For instance, if you resigned from your last job after a disagreement with your boss, be sure to share this information with the recruiter. Expect integrity from recruiters as well. They should be candid with feedback and demonstrate an understanding of your qualifications and career goals through the types of interviews arranged.

Be receptive. A key advantage of working with a recruiter is the ability to gain an insider's perspective and advice on the job market. Therefore, be open to suggestions that might improve your marketability. For example, a recruiter may suggest adding an objective statement at the top of your resume or reordering achievements in your previous roles based on what companies are currently looking for in the current business environment.

Don't transfer ownership of your job search. Although recruiters are supposed to seek out opportunities for you, you must remain an active participant in your job search. Back up the recruiter's efforts by regularly reviewing email notifications of new job listings from the staffing firm. You might see a position that interests you that your recruiter has not yet considered. By staying informed about the job market and checking in regularly with your recruiter, you'll demonstrate that you're committed to finding a new opportunity, which will encourage the recruiter to work even harder on your behalf.

Trust the recruiter you choose. It's hard to work effectively with recruiters if you don't trust them to accurately represent your interests. Before initiating a relationship, talk through any questions or concerns you might have about how you will work together. Assuming you're satisfied with the responses you receive and feel comfortable with a recruiter's qualifications, allow him or her to act as your advocate without undue second-guessing at every turn. This is especially important once an offer is on the table. Remember that recruiters have a vested interest in ensuring an all-around good fit, so have faith in their ability and desire to help you find the right situation and reach a satisfying agreement.

A good recruiter can be a valuable ally in your job search, but the success of the relationship depends on both parties fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities. By observing these rules of interaction, you can make it easier for a recruiter to represent you, and ultimately, improve your chances of landing an attractive opportunity.

DeLYNN SENNA, CPA, is the executive director of permanent placement services for North America for Robert Half International.

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL, founded in 1948, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company's financial staffing divisions include Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources, for temporary, full-time and senior-level project professionals, respectively. For more information about Robert Half International, please visit www.rhi.com.