At some point, you’ve probably been contacted by a recruiter. Maybe it’s a frequent occurrence for people in your line of work. When recruiters come calling through email, LinkedIn, or over the phone, it’s easy to brush them off. You figure, I really don’t have time for yet another conversation with someone I don’t even know.
But there comes a point when it’s time for a change. You start doing some research, polish up your resume, and hit the job boards. The problem is, most of the jobs you find, you’re overqualified for or have already been filled. Perhaps you even send out a few resumes thinking there’s a high likelihood you’re going to hear something back. Crickets. After a while, you start to panic a little.
This is where a recruiter can help. If you’re still not convinced, keep reading to find out the top reasons why working with a reputable recruiter, can give you a leg up on the competition.
Recruiters Help You Through the Process
Even though you think you’ve got the job hunting gig figured out, it’s what professional recruiters do for a living. It’s in their best interest to place the best candidates in front of hiring managers.
When you work with a recruiter, they’ll be able to answer any and all questions you might have. Whether it’s polishing your resume, or salary negotiation, they’re in the job hunting and placement trenches on a daily basis. Have some anxieties about the job interview? No problem, a good recruiter will help you prepare.
Recruiters Have Huge Networks
Even if you think your professional network is substantial, it’s nothing compared to that of a professional recruiter. Think about it. They don’t have a choice but to have a wide and vast network of people they work with.
This one is pretty simple. The larger the network of people you can be introduced to, the more opportunities you’ll have of landing the right job.
Recruiters Are Specialized, Just Like You
Your experience, knowledge and skill set in life sciences speaks for itself. The best recruiters are niched as well. As a result, they know what to look for in certain candidates for specific positions.
Because of the fact that they’re “in the know,” they can give details about positions you might be interested in that you couldn’t glean from a simple job description.
When you work with a recruiter that’s versed in your specialized skill set, you’ll be able to narrow down the job search to quality positions that require your unique experience.
You’re Never Forgotten
We live in a day and age that operates on databases. You know those telemarketing calls you get on a daily basis? Guess what? You’re part of the call list. Most folks take measures to limit the number of databases they’re in because they’re annoying.
When it comes to recruiting however, it actually works to your advantage. Let’s say you’re satisfied with your current job, but you want to keep your eyes open in case a better opportunity comes along. That’s where recruiters give you an advantage. They know who you are and what you’re capable of. Whenever an opportunity that requires your skills and experience comes along, a good recruiter knows where to find you.
Talk about having the hard work done for you!
Recruiters Save You Time
The job search can be toilsome at best. On top of the demands you have at the office every day, allocating the time to diligently pursue new opportunities is difficult at best. Between searching job boards, chasing down less than promising leads, and customizing your resume and cover letter for each job you apply for, the hours add up.
Recruiters know what jobs you’re after and which are available. Even though there’s going to be some work required on your end, a quality recruiter will do most of the leg work for you.
At the end of the day, the job market is highly competitive. Hiring managers pour over numerous resumes and cover letters as they try to fill positions. Even if you jump off the page, you’re not guaranteed a job or even an interview.
That’s why working with a recruiter that knows you personally, and professionally, is so crucial. It’s their job to find the perfect match for both employers and prospective job hunters, and they can give the hiring manager a little background on why they think you are a good match for the job that might not be apparent on your resume.
Ever apply for a job and never hear anything back? It happens a lot. But if you’re working with a good recruiter, they will not only make sure the appropriate people see your resume, they will also provide you some feedback. Even if you don’t get the job, they can give you some insights as to why you were not chosen, and possibly help you to do better in the next interview.
So, instead of toiling away on the Internet and looking at job boards, do yourself a favor. Do some research and find a recruiter that you can trust and knows your industry. Even if it takes a while, chances are you’ll be glad you did in the end.
