It is tempting in 2019 to be lazy when it comes to your next job search. Online job boards and career portals make it seem so easy to view and apply for multiple jobs with few clicks or effort, and if you have a highly sought position you may also be getting approached by companies or think that they will find you. However, this preferred way of finding a job does not always produce the end result that is a perfect match for you. When you are considering a job move you want to work with someone the same way an individual works with a personal trainer at the gym; focused on you and your goals. The option most similar to that attentive one on one personal trainer when it comes to employment is working with a third-party, independent recruiter.
An independent recruiter is a business owner focused entirely on the employment world of finding the right candidate for companies. Companies will hire an independent recruiting agency for a variety of reasons. It may be growing quickly and not have the time or ability to hire the desired employees. It may have tried to find employees for specific jobs but has been unable to find employees who meet their requirements. Or, it may be searching for employees outside of its reach located in a different location than the company headquarters; for example, in another state/province or another country.
As you explore connecting with and working with an independent recruiter, here are some tips to make sure you are working with a solid professional:
1. Recruiting Experience
For how long has the recruiter been working as a recruiter in your industry and/or other industries?
2. Knowledge and Capabilities
Does the recruiter understand your industry and the area in which you specialize? Or, do they have access to other independent recruiters either through an informal network or formal network who do understand the specifics of your situation.
3. Geographical Reach
If you are searching for a job in another state or province, does the recruiter belong to an informal or formal network of recruiters which would increase the likelihood that the recruiter would know about non-local jobs? If you are searching for a job in another country, does the recruiter have global recruiting capabilities?
4. Integrity
After speaking with the recruiter, do you feel the recruiter operates with integrity? You may want to ask the recruiter for a couple of references; individuals with whom the recruiter has worked and placed in new jobs.
5. Commitment
For your relationship with the recruiter to be fruitful, commitment is important. However, commitment goes both ways. I recommend you remove your resume from job boards and tell the recruiter you have done so. Why should you do this? Employers will not pay recruiters for finding candidates if they (the company) find them on job boards. Therefore, many recruiters choose to not work with candidates who have posted their resumes on job boards. Many times your resume itself is a much weaker representation of you than what a recruiter would present to a company of your full profile and screening.
If you have worked with a third-party, independent recruiter in the past, do you have any other suggestions for someone investigating this option?
I am convinced that most recruiter do not understand the industry, area or so, as they are not able to make the right candidate come through.