It takes time to find the next big career move: a role that will reinvigorate your enthusiasm and fulfilment, in a business which offers purpose and opportunities to challenge yourself, all neatly packaged to help you climb the career ladder and achieve your goals.
Time – and dedication. So it pays to have someone in-the-know, in your corner.
That’s where recruiters come in.
Partnering with a recruiter is a cost- and commitment-free way of reinforcing your job search, gaining advice specific to your situation, and even accessing roles or brands that you otherwise may not have.
So if you’ve never worked with a recruiter before, or feel sceptical about the process, here’s why it could be the boost you need for your job search – and how to get the best possible outcome.
Most candidates who are hesitant to work with a recruiter feel that way because they’ve never done so before. Or worse: they’ve worked with a recruiter and found themselves less than impressed or even ghosted by them. Fair on all counts.
Understanding what a great recruitment specialist looks like is the first (and most important) step in gaining invaluable support. Support that could open the door to that big dream role.
…consultative. The quality of a recruiter can be judged by their advice. Feedback on your CV and professional profile, how to progress towards your career ambitions, interview tips and so on. If they’ve taken you on, then they want to find you a role.
…honest. A good recruiter will lay their cards on the table – if they don’t think you’re right for a role, or offer the progression you’re looking for, they’ll say so. Similarly, if they can’t place you in a position right now, they’ll let you know.
…knowledgeable. Having a well-versed, savvy recruiter in your corner is invaluable. They’ll let you in on market trends, and challenge the salary rates being offered if need be to help you land the best deal possible.
…free. You’d be surprised at how often recruiters are asked if they charge candidates. Never. Recruiters are hired by businesses to find quality, driven talent, and those fees are covered by your potential new employer.
Landing the right role with the right opportunities is precisely a recruiter’s expertise. But if you want to ensure you’re making the most of the opportunity, it pays to know how to work with a recruiter, and what they look for from talent.
In other words, how to be a great candidate.
…communicative. I cannot stress this enough. Communicate your ambitions, the skills and experience you want to develop, expectations around location, salary and so on. Your recruiter can then strategically advise, and hone their search.
…honest. A great recruiter will want to know what you do and don’t like about your current role, any ‘dealbreakers’, if you’re working with other recruiters, and especially if you’re in other interview processes. These answers can drastically change how a recruiter goes to bat for you.
…mindful. Do let your recruiter in on any gaps in your skills and knowledge. It’ll help them identify roles where these skills maybe aren’t applicable, strictly necessary, or even find businesses that have great professional development plans.
…proactive. A great recruiter can open so many doors, but it’s worth remembering you’re not their only priority. So be proactive. Straighten up your CV, practice interview qs, and do your own searches. If you find a role you’re interested in, speak to your recruiter first. They may already have a contact or insights into the company.
Here’s my final piece of wisdom: sometimes the right role for you right now is one that will accelerate your career long-term. One that will present you with ample opportunities, bolster your skillsets, and connect you with a broad network.
It can be tempting to fall into the perfectionism trap, and steer away from jobs that don’t look exactly how we might envision them. But these roles are often the golden ones that have a direct impact on progressing your ambitions. Remember that a specialist who knows the market, knows the industry, and gets to know you will have a personal stake in your career trajectory, and will always aim to match you with a role that best reflects that.
So if a recruiter drops you a message, meet up for that cup of coffee. Half an hour could make all the difference.
Author: Allyson Kurian – Consultant
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