As you’re considering a career move, you might be wondering, “Is it worth it for me to work with a recruiter?” Job hunting on your own can be a bit daunting, but you might be unsure if working with a recruiter will help. However, it’s worth taking a look at the advantages a recruiter may be able to offer.
If you’re hoping to be matched to your dream career opportunity, a recruiter may be able to help you along that path. And if you’re getting tired of sending out endless cover letters and resumes on your own, a recruiter can help you streamline the process to make your job hunt more efficient and exciting. Doesn’t that sound great?
5 Benefits of Working with a Recruiter
Here are just a few ways a recruiter can give you a competitive advantage in your job search.
1. Matching you to the right opportunities
When you apply for jobs, you’re usually sending your application and resume in somewhat “blind,” with little prior knowledge of how your skillset fits (or doesn’t fit) with the role. On the other hand, recruiters guide you through the job hunt process from start to finish. They will take the time to understand your skill set and background to learn more about what you are looking for and what your experience has been. Recruiters have a database of clients that they will then go through to find companies and roles that are the best match for you. You will have the advantage of being matched with only the roles that you will be interested in and be positioned as desirable to that company.
Imagine all the time and energy you save from applying to multiple positions that may not be the right one for your career.
2. Direct access
When you apply for a job, chances are you’re sending your resume through an online portal and hope it reaches the right person. However, recruiters send your resume directly to a decision-maker, so you don’t have to worry about fighting it out with thousands of other resumes through an online portal.
Once your resume is submitted you should hear back in a timely manner with the next steps of the process.
3. Valuable feedback
It’s frustrating when you apply for a job and receive a generic rejection letter, with no explanation as to why you were not selected. Recruiters can provide feedback on your application and tailor your resume to better position you as you apply for different jobs.
Make sure to be honest and share with your recruiter what you are looking for. Based on your experience, skills and interests, a recruiter will be able to edit and sharpen your resume to enhance your position in the market. As your application goes out, you will have the advantage of receiving feedback to further enhance it or ideas to add to your background in case there were some details you might have missed. This feedback will be extremely valuable in your job search and will help you improve not only your resume but your interviewing skills in the future.
4. The inside track
Not all job listings include critical information about salary, benefits, work location and other details. Recruiters can provide specifics about the position and give you more insight into their offerings.
From salary ranges to work culture, a recruiter will be able to tell you exactly what you need to hear about the company that you might be applying for. You may be able to gain additional insight into how the team works, what the environment is like and what to expect when it comes to promotions and growth. This is extremely beneficial as you move forward with your application because you will know what to expect and can decline moving forward if something is a deal-breaker. You’ll waste no time or energy going through the recruitment process only to find out the work culture or commute might not work out for you after all.
5. Expert preparation
You can prepare for an interview by doing the research, but unless you have a personal connection at the company you can only learn so much. Recruiters will help prepare you for interviews and salary negotiations with your potential employer.
Based on recruiters’ personal knowledge of the job and company, they will have insights into salary and interviews that will be invaluable to your process. Recruiters will also give you advice on how to answer questions when to be specific and what the manager is looking for during the interview. You will also benefit from learning how to navigate salary negotiations and any other important aspects of benefits packages and more. While you will still need to do your own research on the company and stay engaged, you will have the advantage of company insight you might not find online.
Ready to take advantage of all the benefits a recruiter can bring to your job search? Contact us today!
