To use a recruiter in your job search, you need to know what the different types of recruiters are, how they work with you, and what you should expect.
Related: How To Write A 30-60-90-Day Plan That Gets You The Job Offer
Types Of Recruiters
There are two basic types of recruiters: Internal and Contingency (third-party) Recruiters. Internal recruiters work for the company they recruit for. Typically, you’ll find them at large corporations. Contingency recruiters (third party) work for themselves or for a recruitment agency, and are paid by a client company when that company hires a candidate the recruiter presents. Most recruiters are third-party recruiters.
Myths About Recruiters
The two biggest misunderstandings about recruiters are:
- “You have to pay a recruiter.”
This is completely false. Never pay any so-called “recruiters.”
- “The recruiter works for the job seeker, and must find them a job.”
In reality, recruiters work for the client company and can only introduce you to that company IF they believe you are a good fit for the job. You then have to interview for the job, just like any other job seeker would.
How Recruiters Help You
Recruiters know about jobs you won’t be able to find. First, recruiters are the ultimate networkers, so they are likely to know about what’s going on in your field and who’s hiring. Second, if they’ve been in business for long, they have developed relationships with companies who don’t like to hire anyone unless the recruiter presents them.
If a recruiter presents you, you have an automatic edge in the process. They know the person hiring at the company. If they say, “Hey, I have someone you need to talk to,” the company will naturally pay attention and be biased to like you because the recruiter already does.
Before you go to the interview a recruiter has arranged, a recruiter will be able to give you insights into the company, and point out a few things you want to bring up or stay away from. He or she will be a fantastic source of advice.
What You Should Do
Find recruiters that specialize in your career space and send
your resume. They will put you in their database and call you if they have an opportunity they believe you’d be a good fit for. A good recruiter can be a wonderful networking contact throughout your career.
If they call you, try to call back as quickly as possible, because both recruiters and
hiring managers can move fast.
In every phone conversation with a recruiter, remember that you are essentially having a
phone interview. If you don’t represent yourself well, chances are that they won’t move you forward and present you to their client company.
Maintain contact with the recruiter. Every so often (maybe when you update your resume or
change jobs), let the recruiter know. Regular emails (not more than once per week) will keep you in the top of the recruiter’s mind in case anything comes up.
Want to know more? Check out my eBook on Amazon: How to Work with Recruiters Effectively – Get Headhunters to Market YOU..This post was originally published at an earlier date. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a Work It Daily-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here.Photo Credit: Shutterstock
