Why should you use a recruiter to find a job?
When it comes to looking for a new job, many people rely solely on traditional methods like looking on Indeed or other job boards, networking or direct applications. However, have you ever considered the benefits of using a recruiter to find a job?
In this article, we will explore the advantages of working with a recruiter, highlighting why they can be a great asset in your job search. But first, let’s answer the fundamental question. What is a recruiter?
What is a recruiter?
Recruiters, also known as head-hunters, are professionals who have been hired by an organisation to find suitable candidates for their open positions. It’s a recruiter’s job to review the candidate’s experience and skill set, negotiate salary and compensation packages. They then work with both the candidate and employer to make sure the fit works well for both parties. It’s also a recruiter’s job to stay on top of job trends, industry outlooks, and what qualities and skills companies are on the lookout for when hiring new employees.
Support and Guidance
Navigating the job market can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Recruiters can provide support and guidance throughout your job search. Here are how recruiters can offer you support in your job search journey:
- CV Refinement/: Recruiters can help you polish your CV, showcasing the relevant skills, and experience, effectively.
- Interview coaching: Once you have secured yourself an interview, a recruiter can then provide you with tips and valuable insights to help you prepare and ace your interview.
- Industry insights: Recruiters are experts in their related fields, so they can offer you insider knowledge not only about the company and job position but also about industry trends and market conditions.
More Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of using a recruiter in your job search is gaining access to a bigger pool of job opportunities. Most companies prefer to hire through recruitment agencies, which means that a recruiter usually has access to exclusive job openings that may not be advertised publicly on the big online portals. A study by CareerBuilder found that 41% of employers plan to hire through a recruitment agency, so you don’t want to miss opportunities by trying to secure a job yourself.
Saves you Time
The job search process can be very time-consuming. Endless applications, interviews and follow-ups can almost feel like a full-time job in itself. Many people have found that they apply for a lot of jobs, only to be ghosted by an employer, or receive little to no feedback, making chasing for follow-ups or feedback time consuming also. Recruiters can save you this time by:
- Matching you with suitable job openings, so you don’t waste time applying for positions that aren’t a good fit.
- Coordinating interviews and handling negotiations on your behalf.
- Providing valuable feedback after interviews to help you improve and tailor your approach.
Recruiters work closely with employers and have a better chance of receiving a response from them regarding a CV or job interview. They can then keep in good communication with a candidate and offer advice and tips on how to perform better in the next job interview.
Have you recently been rejected for a role and felt deflated? Read our handy guide on how to handle a job rejection here.
Expand your Network
Networking plays an important part when trying to grow in your career. When you work with a recruiter, you have access to their extensive network of industry contacts and potential employers. This can open doors to hidden job opportunities and valuable connections that can help advance your career. A survey by LinkedIn found that 85% of all jobs are filled through networking, making this an essential aspect of job hunting.
Market Knowledge & Salary Negotiation
Recruiters have their fingers on the pulse of the job market. They can provide you with insights into salary ranges, market demand for your skills, and what you can realistically expect from potential employers. This knowledge is instrumental in negotiating the best compensation package for your new job.
Confidential Job Search
Job seekers often need to explore new job options without their current employer knowing. This can help avoid any potential issues at work if their current employer discovers their job search.
- Recruiters understand this need for secrecy and take steps to ensure your job search remains confidential:
- Privacy Protection: Recruiters keep your job search information confidential, sharing it only with your consent.
- Anonymous Profiles: They can create anonymous profiles in their databases, hiding your name and current employer until you’re ready to proceed.
- Selective Communication: Recruiters contact you discreetly, often outside working hours or through private channels.
- No Public Listings: When they present your profile to employers, it’s done without revealing your identity or current job details.
Working with a recruiter allows you to explore new opportunities discreetly until you decide to make a move.
Customised Job Matching
Recruiters take the time to understand your career goals, skills, and preferences. They match you with jobs that align with your objectives and values, increasing the likelihood of finding a role that genuinely suits you. This personalised approach can be challenging to achieve through traditional job search methods.
Access to Unadvertised Roles
Not all job openings are publicly advertised. Many companies rely on recruiters to find the right candidates for their positions, even before posting them online. By working with a recruiter, you gain access to these hidden job opportunities that may never be visible on job boards or company websites.
Streamlined Interview Process
Recruiters often have direct contact with hiring managers, which can expedite the interview process. They can provide you with valuable information about the company culture, hiring manager’s preferences, and interview expectations, helping you prepare more effectively.
Feedback and Improvement
Recruiters can provide constructive feedback after interviews, shedding light on areas where you can improve. This feedback loop can help you refine your interview skills and increase your chances of success in future interviews. The guidance, tips and support they can offer you makes it a great choice to use a recruiter to find a job in your next search.
Reduced Job Search Stress
Job hunting can be a stressful experience, but recruiters can alleviate some of that stress by handling many of the administrative tasks involved in the job search process. This allows you to focus more on preparing for interviews and making well-informed decisions about your career.
What’s the catch?
You might be wondering if there’s any catch when considering using a recruiter for your job search. The good news is, there’s no catch for candidates. Recruiters are hired and paid by the employer when they successfully place a candidate in a role. This means that candidates can benefit from the recruiter’s assistance and support without incurring any direct costs. So, if you’re hesitant about working with a recruiter, you can rest assured that it’s a cost-free advantage for candidates, offering expertise and job prospects without any hidden charges.
Ready to use a recruiter to find a job?
In conclusion, choosing to use a recruiter to find a job can be a game-changer. They offer support and guidance, connect you to more job opportunities & save you time.
If you would like to talk to a member of our team about your next career move, call us on 0161 870 5000 or head over to our contact page here.
