Job Search Tips: How Recruiters can Help You Find the Best Opportunities

Ways in Which a Recruiter Can Help Your Job Search

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” – Dale Carnegie, American Writer

It may feel quite daunting going against the millions of job-seekers when on a job search. You may think you are on your own but the reality is that you do have an ally – Recruiters! While some recruiters work with hiring companies and some as head-hunters at third-party firms, their goal is ultimately the same.

They work to fill a position and can help get your resume to the top of the pile. This is why you should maintain a good relationship with them. Here’s everything you need to know and how they will help get you the best opportunities available.

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Types of Recruiters

There are two types of recruiters – corporate and agency recruiters. A corporate recruiter handles the task of screening candidates and fills open positions at the company they work at. Large organizations have multiple recruiters for all types of positions and levels of experience. Smaller companies tend to have just one for all the positions.

In contrast, an agency recruiter works independently of the hiring company. They often work at staffing firms. A company looking to fill one or multiple positions contracts them to meet the need. When doing a contingent search they may only be compensated if they find a candidate that gets hired.

If you have any questions about a job posting, you can always contact a recruiter to get more information.

How to Find Them

Both agency and corporate recruiters will find you if your profile is available on job boards and professional networking platforms. If you have not been contacted by one and choose to reach out, make sure you go for one that specializes in your field or industry. They will definitely find the best connections and openings.

You can also contact a recruiter to inquire about an open position. Many job postings on professional networking sites will have the name of the recruiter who is working on the position listed so that you can contact them. If you feel the need to, you can also work with multiple recruiters at the same time. Keep in mind that you do not need to pay any fee for this service and the company you are hired at will pay the fee for you.

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” -Earl Nightingale, American Author

How to Make the Most of These Services

If a recruiter thinks you are the best fit for an opening, they will contact you to ask some basic questions. They might even conduct a pre-screening interview over the phone. If they think you are the perfect candidate for the job, they will pass your application along to the hiring manager.

With a corporate recruiter, you need to treat every part of the hiring process as formal. Make sure you dress for the part and show up on time. If they ask you what you are looking for, target your answers to the specific company and position.

An agency recruiter will call you in for an informal interview. After that, they will contact you regarding roles that might be a good fit for you. With this process, you can decide whether or not you want to be considered. If you agree to a position, they will send your resume to the hiring company and help coordinate any interviews.

Make sure you regularly follow up with them. If they ask you for any documents or portfolio material, be prompt in sending what is required. A great way to nurture your relationship with your recruiter is to thank them for every opportunity you get.

Recruiters keep your information in a file and will contact you when a better opportunity is available.

Which Type of Recruiter Would be Best for Your Job Search?

The selection process is fairly simple. If you have your mindset on a specific company, then you should reach out to a corporate recruiter. But in the case you have multiple companies in mind and are open to other opportunities as well, you should contact an agency recruiter as well as a corporate recruiter. And finally, if you have no idea what company would be the best fit for you, you should contact an agency recruiter.

Working with a recruiter does not guarantee that your job search will end immediately. Don’t lose hope if you’re not placed within a company on the first try. Most recruiters will keep your resume on file and contact you as soon as they find a job offer that matches what you are looking for.