How To Use A Recruiter In Your Job Search

Your Dream Job Matchmaker

How would you like to have someone else job hunting
for you? Would you like to have a matchmaker get you
greater exposure, access the “hidden” job market, and
ultimately set you up with your ideal job?

How about someone who will talk you up to your
prospective employer and assure them that they’ll want
to connect with you? Someone who will give you the
inside scoop on how you compare with other candidates
you’ll be going up against, so you can angle your resume
and prepare for your interview?

If any of that sounded appealing, then you may want to
take advantage of a recruiter’s services.

On the other hand..

Have You Been On A Blind Date Lately?

Using a recruiter can really help you in your job search.
And, it’s not the right approach in all situations, just as a
blind date isn’t always the best option. So, how do you
know when to use a recruiter?

Here are some signs:

• You’re showing up ready to work with a recruiter;
you’re clear on the direction you’d like to go with
your next position (if not, a career coach or
counselor might be a better fit at this point)

• You’re qualified for the positions you’re applying for
(if it’s too much of a stretch, you may actually be
putting yourself out of the running for another
opportunity because the employer might not want
to pay a commission for that)

• You’re looking for work while you’re still employed
(it’s more likely that you’ll be able to maintain
confidentiality)

If those are in place, then a recruiter is a great addition to
your job search. As long as the recruiter(s) you use is are
good!

Is There A Way To Tell You Have A Quality Recruiter?

You will want to make sure you’re working with a good
quality recruiter. Ask for recommendations if possible,
and screen recruiters with questions like these:

• Will you be interviewing me before you submit my
application? (they should be clear on what it is
you’re looking for)

• How many applications do you typically submit for
a given posting? (you don’t want a recruiter who
spam employers with an eye to volume; you want
someone who carefully considers your needs as
well as the needs of the employer)

• Will you ask for permission before submitting my
resume for a different job? (this will allow you to
be sure you’re interested in the position, and that
it’s something that truly meets your long-range
goals)

• How do you plan on representing me to potential
employers? (you want someone who will go
beyond mere resume submission)

You Still Have To Do Some Work Yourself!

What a recruiter can’t do is all the work for you. You still
want to have a great resume, do your homework on
companies and positions, and be looking for work in other
ways as well.

That said, if you’re clear on the position you want, and
have some good qualifications, a recruiter can be a
very key addition to your job search.