When you are in the job market, there are a number of reasons why you should work with a Recruiter.
The first reason to work with a Recruiter is that they can help you to secure an interview. When a Company advertises a job, they are inundated with resumes. Even with the utilization of various types of screening mechanisms, the volume of resumes a Company receives is still staggering. If you simply apply online, you run the risk of having your resume lost in the Resume “Black Hole”. By far, the most effective way to get your foot in the door and obtain an interview is to work with a Recruiter who can directly contact the Hiring Manager, present your resume, and explain why you are a good fit for the position.
Additionally, because the Recruiter knows the people and the culture at a Company, they can help you to prepare for the Interview and provide insight into the organization that you will not glean from simply viewing the Company’s website. Recruiters can also function as a buffer during both the Interview and Salary Negotiation processes. The Recruiter can provide you with answers to any questions that you have, but may not feel comfortable discussing during the actual Interview itself. Finally, when it comes time to discuss an Offer, a good Recruiter will help ensure that you get the best Compensation Package possible.
The second reason is that not all job opportunities are advertised online or in print. There are a number of reasons why Companies may not want to advertise their job openings and prefer to outsource it to a Recruiting Firm. These reasons can range from the fact a Company may be expanding or initiating business in a new product area and may not want to alert their competitors about their intentions. Another reason that a Company may not want to advertise a job is that the Company may be replacing an internal employee and therefore need to keep the job search for that employee’s replacement confidential.
In summary, a good Recruiter can be a tremendous ally during your Job Search. They can provide you with access to job openings that you may not be aware of, and they can function as a confidant and adviser during the Interview Process and help you to secure a Job Offer.