You may have an inbox filled with job pitches from recruiters. For the messages that appear to be relevant to your experience (not the mass emailed, inapt airballs)…..
Should you take the bait?
Recruiters are consistently trashed due to the bad seeds that tarnish the reputation of the industry.
Here’s a sample attitude from a user on the happiest platform on the internet, Reddit:
👉“To me recruiters are the scum of our world. They overcharge your future company, promise more than they have influence over, and generally don’t add anything productive other than an extra hoop for you to jump through.”
Lawyers, politicians, and recruiters can’t catch a break. 🤮 There is scum in every profession, but some aren’t a representation of all.
Decent, reputable third-party recruiters can add value and influence to your job search. Hear me out.
Five months ago, I surveyed 100 people in my network who had just started a new job. 28/100 had utilized the service of a recruiter (in and outbound) to land an interview. 🌟
Here are reasons why you should consider working with an external recruiter for a job search:
🔺Recruiters are trusted, collaborative partners with the hiring managers who are calling the shots on offers. Recruiters are the first human touch point of the hiring candidate experience–this is an opportunity to fast track past an ATS to interview.
🔺The” hidden-job market”, aka not yet publicized jobs. This includes replacements for underperforming employees. Or internal considerations. Or the anticipation of company growth before internal approval/budget.
🔺Speed. Recruiters have one-on-one relationships with hiring managers, therefore they can provide timely feedback and action.
🔺It’s free.
🔺Career guidance. From resume tips to interview prep, recruiters should possess a bounty of advice.
🔺Confidentiality. If you are specialized, your circle is small. Recruiters can offer representation on the down-low.
🔺Insights. Recruiters know company history, personality traits, and background of prior mis-hires of a position.
🔺Specialists know your skills and competitive landscape. Their network is your network.
🔺Relationship-building. I’ve placed numerous people, numerous times over the course of my career because I understand their career goals and expertise.
Headhunters work and are compensated on behalf of the employer, therefore their priority is filling the job. This doesn’t mean you are disposable because we initially can’t help.