According to the 2014 Jobvite Job Seeker Nation Study, over 70% of the US labor force is in the market for a new job. 50% of that includes employed workers who are “willing to wander.” These percentages reflect a transformation in the market due to the social web, where job hopping has now become more and more common. What this means for independent recruiters, is that those purple squirrel candidates or hard to fill positions may be easier to find and fill with the knowledge that most candidates, even those happy in their current positions, are willing to consider a change. US News Careers offers this advice to job seekers:
Research and contact recruiters in your field. Again, it’s most helpful to build these relationships before you need them, but now is better than never. Find out which recruiting firms work in your field and make those contacts. Even if the recruiter doesn’t have an opportunity that’s an exact fit at that moment, just letting them know you’re open to hearing about new opportunities keeps you on their radar. Check in occasionally.
It is also an advantage to seek new opportunities when you already are happy in your current employment. Having a job while searching for new employment gives you leverage when it comes to negotiating terms for the new gig. Teach, author of career novels, says. “You’re in a greater position to make demands and get what you want. Without a job, this leverage goes out the window.”
While having this leverage opportunity, it is also important to consider sensitivity to your current position. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated, but do not indicate that you are seeking new employment. Most importantly, tell your recruiter and prospective employers to keep your job search confidential. Working with an independent recruiter is an excellent way to keep discretion and avoid posting your resume all over the internet.
To view a directory of NPAworldwide’s highly professional and ethical recruiters, click here.