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Be the CEO of Your job search
When it comes to getting what you want, sometimes you just need to “go for it”. It’s the same with your job search. You should be the CEO of your job search, but you need to have strong supporting staff who will help you find your dream job. So what to do? Recruiters are an important part of any job search and you will need to get your name and resume out to the recruiters that best match your skillset and experience.
Planning for your job search should be on the top of your list and you should have your plan (or a high-level approach) completed before you start sending your resume to potential employers.
Tweet ThisBut not just any Recruiter (and certainly not every Recruiter) is best for you. You need to do the research and find the recruiters that will work best for you. Match your experience with your recruiters’ strengths. This article is about picking the best Recruiter as well as providing a number of Recruiter resources.
Use the latest technology to target potential employers and secure the first interview--no matter your experience, education, or network--with these revised and updated tools and recommendations.
Tips for Finding the Best Recruiters
Recruiters are a key part of any job search (one of the Four Legs of Job Search) and it’s important to understand how best to work with them to ensure you are leveraging their considerable connections.
1. Stick to what you know
When a Recruiter calls about a potential opportunity, they typically have a fairly good idea of your background either via an online site such as LinkedIn or a current or older resume that is on file from the previous contact. What they don’t always know are the specifics of your day to day responsibilities and the level of experience you may have.
“Write down a list of your top strengths. (I recently read StrengthsFinder 2.0 for a book club at work and this advice really resonated with me.) Another self-analysis resource that can help you figure out exactly what kind of career and work environment will best fit you is the Myers-Briggs personality test. Being actively confronted with what you’re good at and what makes you tick personality-wise is a powerful way of assessing a career path that will fit and compliment those strengths.” – Skillcrush.com
While you might have the urge to tell the Recruiter that you have specific experience even if you don’t (because you think you can do the job), in reality, the interview process will weed out those individuals who don’t have the right level of experience. This is not good for the Recruiter or you and will hinder your chances of being considered for other roles that the Recruiter may have. Stick to what you know.
The key to success in the current job market is breaking through to the hidden job market. Over half of all jobs go to someone who did not apply to a posted opening at all. What are they doing and how are they doing it? They’re finding new jobs before the posting hits the Internet.
2. Don’t lead them on
It’s a really good feeling when a Recruiter calls you because they are interested in you and your experience. If you are a good fit for the role at hand and it seems like a good opportunity there is a reasonable chance that you will go on the interview. Some candidates decide that they are not all that interested but go on the interviews anyway. This is sometimes driven by ego or possibly just to see what they are worth. If you are not interested in the opportunity then don’t go on the interview. You will be wasting everyone’s time and it could
3. Don’t hound them
If a Recruiter gets positive feedback on an interview or a request for an interview, you will be the first to know. No news is not always good news, but hounding the Recruiter with phone calls and emails will not help. If they are not getting back to you, there is either no news or bad news.
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
4. Listen to Their Advice
Recruiters know what they are doing. They know what resumes work, what interview skills, and what the hiring manager wants (and expects). Take their advice, it yields returns (if not, they would be out of business).
5. Understand That You are not the client
Let’s face it, recruiters are hired (and paid) by employers to find the best candidate for the job. While they will help you in any way they can, their main goal is to please the hiring manager. Don’t get me wrong, you are important to them, but their client is more important. Keeping that in mind, do not hesitate to negotiate the best deal for you.
Don’t settle for less (unless you are not being realistic). Be prepared to walk away from any offer that does not meet your minimum requirements (regardless of what the Recruiter says).
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
Where to Find the Best Recruiters
Best Executive Recruiting Firms (Forbes.com) – A great list of 250 recruiters, with links to their websites and headquarters. There is a link at the top to have the list sent to you in a spreadsheet.
Online Recruiters Directory – This link will help you find recruiters in your industry and State. Click your boxes to find your recruiters.
The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants – Pick your region to find a list of recruiters. There is a link for each Recruiter on your region’s list.
Searchfirm.com – Another site that helps you narrow the search for recruiters.
Whether you’re unemployed or just want to get a better job, this guide gives you a PLAN that you can start TODAY!
