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Working with a recruiter on your job search is a common strategy in today’s job climate. The internet has made things much easier on both businesses and job seekers, but it isn’t always enough. Spending countless hours searching job boards and sending resumes to hear nothing back can be a poor use of your time. It can also be a hit to your ego.
Using a job board like ZipRecruiter is essential and usually the best way to do your job search. But a recruiter can also help you get those other opportunities you might be missing out on. So when thinking about how to find a recruiter, what are some tips to follow? How does a job recruiter work to help you find opportunities?
What is a Job Recruiter?
A recruiter works with both job seekers and organizations to help fill open positions. While job seekers have access to resources like ZipRecruiter or LinkedIn, a job recruiter can be a direct source of opportunity. Depending on the recruiter, you can either find one who works independently or who works for a staffing agency. Recruiters build large databases of candidates in order to help fill positions at companies as quickly as possible. Once a job opening comes that matches your qualifications and experience, the recruiter will match you to the company to begin the process. Essentially, a recruiter is a middle man to connect you to openings at organizations they work with.
How to Find a Recruiter for Your own Job Search?
Before you start speaking with recruiters, you’ll want to think about what you’re looking to get out of the experience. A job offer, most likely, but what other things are you searching for in a job? Oftentimes, recruiters have specific requirements and qualifications they are looking for. They also may be trying to fill specific job titles at a few companies.
Steps to Finding a Recruiter
To start finding a recruiter that best works for you, start working towards the following steps:
1. Double Check Job Boards Listings
Postings are either made by the hiring manager at a company or by a recruiter that they hired. When you find opportunities you’re interested in with a site like ZipRecruiter, take a look at who it was posted by. If you find that specific recruiters or agencies keep popping up on opportunities you’re interested in, it might be best to reach out to them. Not only can they connect you to these companies directly, but they might also have additional opportunities for you.
2. Go Directly to Staffing Agencies
When trying to work with a job recruiter, sometimes it’s best to go straight to the source. Before connecting with a staffing agency, you’ll want to do your research prior. How are their reviews from prior candidates? What companies have they worked with in the past? Do they specialize in specific industries that do or don’t fit your job search? Once you have the right info, you can start to connect with said agency. Be clear on your goals and needs, so they can best connect you in their network.
3. Post Your Resume Wherever You Can
Recruiters are consistently looking for talent to bring into their network. Referred to as “headhunters,” at times, recruiters spend a large portion of their time seeking additional qualified candidates. To make sure you can get that type of visibility, post your resume where applicable. Job boards like ZipRecruiter and Indeed are good sources to upload your resume for recruiters to find. You should also have your LinkedIn fully updated and polished to ensure you can be found online.
4. Speak Directly With Companies You’d Like to Work With
If you’re interested in a particular company to work with, try reaching out to the human resources department to enquire about speaking to a recruiter. If they work alongside a recruiter, they can pass you along. Not only will this get you connected to the hiring process for the company you’re interested in, but it also helps build your opportunities elsewhere.
5. Use Your Personal Connections to Find Recruiters
More than likely, you know people who have worked with recruiters. Whether it’s your professional or personal network, chances are someone you know can point you in the right direction. Speak with some of your contacts about finding a recruiter. Or consider posting to your social feeds requesting help finding a trusted recruiter. Using your network is a vital strategy for your job search. It’s no different when finding a recruiter.
Last Thoughts
When looking to work with a recruiter, remember to stay in line with your needs. Focus on what you want out of the experience, and tailor your search to those needs. Working with recruiters can be a good opportunity for your job search. As long as you use the right recruiter, you can find success, and it can lead you to better opportunities.
