Is a Recruiter a Good Option for You?

Before investing your time, determine if a recruiting or headhunting service is a real option for you. While it is the case that recruiters (agencies and headhunters) earn money placing candidates into their client companies, recruiters are usually of no value to entry level, junior, fresh graduates, workforce re-entry, perpetually unemployed, job hoppers, etc. The reason for this is that companies will only pay a fee to a recruiter for someone they believe they cannot locate efficiently on their own. The general thought with employers is that new graduates and junior candidates, for example, can be found without incurring an extra cost to the company.  This of course is not a knock against being entry level or junior, just the way it works.

Engaging a recruiting service to try and change professions or careers, or to try and re-enter the workforce, is also not a good idea. Recruiters are only able to place people into very similar positions as to the one the person is currently in, or the last position they held. Companies will pay a headhunting fee for very recent and very relevant experience. If you have been out of work for a long length of time, or working in a non-relevant position, do not expect much help from a recruiter.

Try and use recruiters when you can, and if it makes sense, but do not expect great results. This is not a knock on recruiters. There are just many factors that go into the process of you, the employer, and a recruiter all coming together to help you be successful in your job search. Using recruiters should be one of various avenues you utilize with your job search, along with applying directly companies, networking, utilizing the Internet, referrals, and making sure your resume and interview presentation is outstanding.

While job postings serve a purpose, try not to be frustrated with the lack of response if it is a recruiter posting. If there is no response to the resume you submitted, ask yourself these questions. Am I a new graduate or junior candidate? Do I really have the required skills? Do I need to relocate? Do I need a Visa? Have I been out of work a long time? Have I change jobs excessively throughout the years? Was my most recent job the same for the position being advertised? If the position is a good match, and the job posting is real, you will more than likely get a call.

Hiring companies like candidates from recruiters whose situation is simple. Having to relocate or requiring a work sponsorship are usually not simple. Companies may not have a problem with these issues if you apply directly, but to pay a recruiting fee and the other costs associated with a candidate, may not be desirable.

After you have determined that a recruiting service could offer you value and be a realistic option, follow a few guidelines and the process can be a rewarding experience.

1. You should be able to clearly and concisely explain to a recruiter why you are a good match for a particular job.
2. Be upfront about pertinent information and do not lie to a recruiter.
3. Be prepared for questions regarding any issues that may be question marks in your work history or other areas.
4. If you are going to demand an unrealistic increase in your present position or pay, such as going from a manager to a VP, or from $25,000 to $70,000, it would be best to go it alone.
5. When sending your resume to recruiters, you should probably request that your resume not be sent to prospective employers without discussing it with you.
6. Applying directly to an employer after hearing about a position through a recruiter is very risky and highly unethical.
7. Do not be upset if a recruiter does not respond to you. If they have a position that is good match, and you are clearly qualified, then the odds are favorable they will follow up.
8. An occasional follow up email or phone call to a recruiter is fine, but do not waste your time and energy contacting them every other day.
9.  A good way to find relevant recruiters for your specialty is to ask around. There are a lot of recruiters in the world but they are sometimes hard to locate when you need one.
10.  Don't send them a mediocre resume. Do yourself a favor and have it professionally done.

Lastly, we again emphasize that that you use many methods for locating a new position. Diversify your approach. One of them will often work. Also, if you get a call from a recruiter, take it.  There is no downside establishing a relationship with a recruiter, even when you are currently not in need of their services.