The right job can transform a person's life and the right person can transform a business. A recruiting expert has the ability to make the right connections to make this a reality. But how can you choose the right recruiter for you?

From a candidate's perspective, you'll want to choose a recruiter who can help you maximise your options. They should also ensure you receive access to the highest-quality and most interesting jobs in order to advance your career.

When selecting a recruiter for your job search, we suggest you first consider the selection of opportunities they offer and make sure they have experience recruiting for your profession and industry sector.

You'll want to work with a recruiter who can build a deep understanding of your skills and personality. They should also be able to give you objective, straight-up advice on how to achieve your career aspirations in the short, medium and long term.

Look for someone who is genuinely passionate about connecting their candidates with the right job to enable their careers to develop. While there are a lot of recruiters available, it is better to work exclusively with one market-leading consultancy to benefit from impartial advice, rather than juggling conflicting opinions.

We advise you to build a relationship with a recruiter by keeping your consultant continuously updated about your job search. This regular contact also allows the recruiter to give you feedback and advice. Never be afraid to pick up the phone to speak to your recruiter at any time during the process. We are there to help you as much as we possibly can.

Marc Burrage, regional director of Hays in Hong Kong