Successful job seekers tap into all the resources and strategies available to help them land their dream job. An often-overlooked job search tactic is using professional recruitment services. Let’s take a closer look at what professional recruiters do and – more importantly, what they can do for you!
What’s in a name? Recruitment agency, head hunter, temp agency, search firm. Professional recruitment services may go by many names but no matter the ‘handle’, they are recruitment specialists. They are well connected to what’s happening in the labour market and act as a link between job seekers and employers with specific hiring needs – aka jobs!
Here’s what else you need to know
- What’s in it for you? Access to the recruiter’s industry connections to employers who are hiring. Have someone else on your team (besides your mom) who will represent and promote your skillset to prospective hiring managers.
- Getting started. Spoiler alert – recruiters don’t just hand out jobs. Typically, there is an admission process that involves an application and a copy of your resume. You’ll meet/interview with the potential recruiter to ensure there is a good fit – after all, this is an important partnership you both are committing to. Recruitment Specialist, Jarrett Viczko of Impact Recruitment stresses how important finding a good match is. He says, “it is critical that the recruiter you work with gets what you do and understands who you are.” He also reminds job seekers to maintain a relationship with the recruiter even if there are no openings at the moment because circumstances change, and new opportunities become available.
- One size does not fit all. Some agencies have specializations and work exclusively within a specific industry. This includes agencies that only deal with temporary or contract work. Alternatively, executive search firms work exclusively with senior-level management positions. So, do your homework to find which agency is best for you. Viczko’s tip for ensuring an agency is experienced in your field is, “poke around their website and look for multiple, specialized postings in your line of work. If they’re there, then get in touch.”
- Who pays? When an employer hires a recruitment agency, it pays the service fee. Working with a recruitment company is free for job seekers.
Has this blog post left you wanting more … about effective job search strategies? Book an appointment with your Career Specialist and check out workshop series offerings.
