Keep your resume up to date, but not all over the place
When I asked Peter about whether a candidate should post his or her resume on the Web, he said the following:

Beware of posting your resume on the Internet. Corporate HR departments regularly search databases for employees' resumes. If you're employed, do you want your boss to know you're looking around for a new job? If you decide to post your resume, do return the calls of the recruiters that call and build relationships with them like we're describing here.

If you are unemployed or have decided to post your resume, pull it down when you've found your job or stopped looking. Resumes that are constantly on the Web or always responding to every job posting are a real turn-off to a recruiter. There's a developer in Florida that sends me a resume every time I post a job, no matter where it is in the country. I wouldn't call him if he were a fit, because it seems he is always looking for work. I want to place someone who doesn't spend hours every week looking for work.

Be honest
Peter provides these thoughts about honesty:

Always be honest and open with the recruiter. Perhaps there are circumstances in your employment background, such as a time of unemployment, which could be a hindrance to securing your next position. Be honest and open with the recruiter. He or she has dealt with similar circumstances before, and will help you explain these circumstances in the best light, while still being truthful.

Be patient
Peter explains, "It takes time to find the right position for someone, and great talent does not always mean that you will find a new position quickly. Recruiters don't create jobs, they only fill ones that are open, and not every skill is in demand all the time."

The last few years when IT departments had more projects and budgets than people, all skills were in demand. Now demand (along with budgets) has lessened, and it takes time for the right job for you to come across a recruiter's desk.

If you've stayed in touch with your recruiter and kept your information current, you'll be one of the first calls he makes when the assignment comes in. It's very rewarding to place a candidate who has taken the time to stay in touch with me.

Peter continues, "Remember it is always in the best interest of the recruiter to find you a position, the right position. This is the reason we get paid. We have a vested interest in you being happy and successful."

Take the full test drive, you decide if you buy
Peter said the following:

Since we have already established that good recruiters are sincerely interested in your (and their clients') best interest, listen when the recruiter calls. Remember, you as the candidate always makes the final decision, but it should be an informed decision. Making a good decision depends on getting all the facts. To do this, you need to listen to the job as the recruiter describes it, ask in-depth questions on the interview, and learn all you can about the job during the interview process. Then, and only then, can you make an informed decision about whether the opportunity is right for you. Only after gathering all this information can you do justice to yourself."