Recruiter Articles
.......................................................................................
A Professional Recruiter - Pivotal To Your Success
As you put together your job search strategy, you should consider what role a professional recruiter could play in your search activities. If you are a high level executive then professional recruiters will likely have a pivotal role in your success. If you are more mid to lower level, however, a professional recruiter can be helpful but should not be relied upon as a primary source of potential jobs.
For high level executives
Many high level executives find that a professional recruiter can be a vital part of their job search. The key is for the executive to be smart about how he or she contacts recruiters and promotes their qualifications.
Be selective - You should only contact recruiters who have positions for which you are a perfect match. Check the recruitment firm's web site for open positions, and consider carefully the requirements for each job. Remember that recruiters receive literally hundreds of e-mails each day from job seekers; so only those who are the very best fit have any chance of receiving a return call.
Use your network - Chances are that somewhere among your network of contacts is someone who can provide you with a referral to a professional recruiter. Take the time to speak with your colleagues and peers, asking for that all-important referral. Once you receive it, use that as a way attract the recruiter's attention. Most recruiters are willing to at least have a telephone conversation with job seekers who have been referred by someone with whom the recruiter has an established relationship.
Be strategic - You wouldn't market your business or products by sending out a flurry of e-mails to a bulk audience, so don't make the mistake of marketing yourself that way. Focus your efforts by researching which people are most likely to be able to assist you and then create a strategy for making contact and setting up a conversation.
For mid to lower level executives
If you are a mid to lower level executive conducting a job search, making contact with a professional recruiter can be worthwhile but should not be relied upon as the primary source for finding a job. The key is to understand how recruiters work, what they are looking for and the best way to get their attention.
How they work - Professional recruiters work for the hiring company, not for you. This is an important distinction because it explains why recruiters are notorious for not returning unsolicited phone calls or e-mails from job seekers. The recruiter must focus time and energy on pursuing suitable candidates, not answering the literally hundreds of e-mail messages that come in every day.
What they look for - Recruiters spend the majority of their time looking for candidates for the specific job positions they have available. They are most interested in candidates whose qualifications match position requirements exactly.
Get their attention - The best way to get a recruiter's attention is to cultivate the relationship before you need to find a job. If you are already involved in a job search, then it is best to find someone in your network of contacts who can give you a referral to a specific recruiter. This will often get you in the door, after which you are responsible for impressing the recruiter with your qualifications and professionalism.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
Developing Good Rapport With Your Recruiter
Have you been contacted by an executive recruiter? Are you trying to make contact with a professional recruiter as part of your job search? In either case, it is important to develop and maintain a good rapport with the recruiter.
Do your research first
You should do your own research to find out about the recruitment firm in question. Look for information about how they prefer to receive resumes, confidentiality rules, and which fields or professions the firm generally represents. It does not do you any good to send your resume to a recruitment firm that specializes in engineering, for example, if your field is sales or marketing.
You should also understand how each recruitment firm is paid. Contingency firms are paid only when they fill a position, and they typically deal in mid to lower level positions for which there are many qualified candidates. Firms that work on a retained basis, however, are compensated regardless of whether or not a position is filled. These firms generally focus on very high-level executive positions, especially those within highly competitive industries where it is most common to hire someone who has been lured away from an existing job.
Don't wait until you're job hunting
The time to make contact with and build rapport with professional recruiters is before you need their assistance. In other words, do not wait until you have been downsized, laid off or otherwise are in a pinch to find a job. Make a point of contacting recruiters for the purpose of becoming a resource to help them. Perhaps you can be a networking contact who provides referrals to qualified candidates for positions they are seeking to fill. When you help a recruiter and do not expect anything in return, he or she is more likely to remember and appreciate you over the long term, and help you when the times comes when you need their assistance with a job search.
Do your part
The best professional recruiters cannot get you interviews if your resume is not polished, your qualifications are not appropriate, or there is little demand for workers in your field or profession. You have to do your part in the job search process by creating a resume that really shines, and working to improve your qualifications if they are weak.
When it comes time to interview, you also have the primary responsibility for the outcome. The recruiter cannot do the interview for you, nor can he or she repair the damage if your interview does not go well. Your best solution is to view the recruiter as an assistant in your job search process rather than the person responsible for getting you a job.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results. .................................................................................... TOP
Get The Most From Your Recruitment Agency
If you choose to pursue a recruitment agency as part of your job search strategy, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your interactions with them.
1. Be honest
It can be tempting to exaggerate your qualifications or experience, but it is always best to be honest with a recruiter. Many of the best recruitment agencies do check backgrounds and claims of experience, so if you are not truthful you will likely be found out and dropped from the firm.
2. Don't waste their time
Recruitment agencies earn their fees based on finding and placing qualified candidates in open positions. If you are not serious about seeking a new position, or if you are not serious about a particular position for which you have been recruited, do not play along or go through the process just for the experience. This is a waste of your time as well as the recruiter's time, and you will not be looked upon favorably in the future.
3. Develop and maintain the relationship
Developing and maintaining a good relationship with a professional recruiter can help you get a good job, but it is equally important to keep the relationship intact once you are in that new job. Stay in touch periodically, provide referrals to qualified individuals for positions the recruiter might have open, and generally position yourself as a helpful resource. Doing this will, at some point, make it easier to access the recruiter when and if you decide to seek a new job.
4. Take their advice
If a recruiter is suggesting you as a candidate for an open position and you are interested in pursuing that open position, then pay close attention to the information and advice offered by the recruiter. He or she probably knows the hiring company quite well and can offer valuable tips to help you learn more about the company and present yourself well during an interview.
5. Be your own advocate
The biggest mistake many job seekers make when working with a recruiter is to settle back and wait for open positions to appear. If you do this, you will be disappointed and the recruiter very likely will drop you from the database. Professional recruiters look for candidates who will be active participants in their job search, working diligently to present themselves well and enhance their attractiveness to a potential employer. When you do your part, the recruiter has an easier time doing his or her part.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
Online Recruitment Is Popular With Job Searchers
As technology and the Internet have exploded in popularity, online recruitment has also become extremely popular with job searchers. As part of a broad job search strategy, online recruitment can make looking for a job easier than ever before.
The basics
To understand the power of online recruitment you must first understand how online recruitment web sites operate. The basic business model is that employers pay a fee to post their open positions on a particular web site, and may also pay additional fees based on the number of resumes they receive and any special handling or processing they want the web site to handle. The web site is responsible for advertising and promoting their site to help attract the most qualified candidates possible.
For the job seeker, online recruitment web sites offer access to job postings and the ability to post their resume online. Most offer a variety of search functions for finding open positions as well as articles and information on how best to conduct a job search. These services are typically free when the job seeker registers with the web site.
Other more advanced services on a recruitment web site are available to job seekers for a fee. Examples of these services may include resume writing assistance, access to "premium" job listings, information boards and forums for job searchers, and other products or services designed to assist with a job search.
Types of online recruitment web sites
Probably the most well known, and certainly the biggest online recruitment sites are Monster.com , HotJobs.com and CareerBuilder.com . These sites have a huge database of job postings and candidate resumes and are excellent sources of information about various professions, industries and career fields. They are a good resource to consult if you are not sure what career field is most attractive to you or if you want to research different professions.
As online recruitment sites have surged in popularity, more and more specialized web sites have emerged. You no longer have to depend on one of the huge national sites to find good job postings; instead, you can search out online recruitment sites that specialize in a particular profession, geographic region, or even a specific city or community.
Most job search experts recommend that if you want to work in a specific profession or industry you should opt for using a specialty web site that focuses on that career field. These sites generally have more detailed job postings and are usually favored by employers who do not want to deal with the huge quantity of resumes that typically come in from one of the larger sites.
Finding a specialized recruitment web site is relatively easy. You can search using the name of your profession, or check with one of your industry's trade or professional organizations. Many of these groups maintain their own postings of job openings and if not they likely can refer you to an appropriate online recruitment site. If you are looking for a specific city or community, check with the local Chamber of Commerce, economic development agency, or Craigslist.org .
Summary
Many job searchers love using online recruitment sites because they are so easy to search and find open job positions. There are a wide range of such sites available on the web, so finding one that is appropriate you're your needs is not too difficult. When used as part of an overall job search strategy, online recruitment sites can be very helpful.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
The Advantages Of Using A Recruitment Firm
In today's competitive job market, there are some definite advantages to using a recruitment firm. Both job seekers and hiring companies can benefit from the services offered by a professional recruiter. The advantages to each party, though, are somewhat different because they come to a recruiter for different reasons and with different perspectives.
Advantages for the job seeker
When you are conducting a job search, one of the advantages of using a professional recruiter is that they often have access to good quality jobs in a variety of fields that are not advertised publicly. This means that if you can make contact with a recruiter and be noticed, you have a better chance of being considered for one of those quality jobs
Another advantage comes if you are seeking a new job while you are still employed. Your time is rightfully occupied with performing well in your existing job, with very little time left over for an active job search. If you have established a relationship with a professional recruiter then the recruiter effectively does a portion of the searching for you, by keeping you in mind for positions that come available.
A professional recruiter will help prepare you for a job interview when a suitable position comes available. He or she can have a preparatory discussion with you about position specifics and the hiring company. You are still responsible for doing your own preparation as well, but it can be very helpful to have someone else helping you with that process.
Advantages for the hiring company
The hiring company gains advantages from using a professional recruiter as well. The company does not have to waste its time sorting through piles of resumes from candidates who may or may not be qualified for a job opening. They also can start interviewing candidates more quickly because a professional recruiter likely has several qualified candidates already in mind.
Another advantage that many hiring companies appreciate is that a professional recruiter can handle as much or as little of the hiring process as they want. Some companies use a recruiter solely to obtain resumes of qualified candidates so that they can then conduct screening, interviews, background checks, etc. using their internal resources. Other companies prefer to be more hands off, allowing the recruiter to find suitable candidates, conduct preliminary interviews, and even do necessary background and evaluation tests before sending the candidate to see the hiring manager.
Advantages for both the job seeker and the hiring company
One of the biggest advantages for both parties is that each knows the other is serious about the open position. Companies are not about to spend the money to hire a professional recruiter if they do not intend to follow through and hire for the position in question, which is good for the job seeker. And only candidates whose qualifications meet the job requirements exactly are referred to the hiring company for consideration, which saves the company time and effort.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
The Best Recruitment Sites On The Net
When you include the Internet as part of your job search strategy, you are making a solid choice to pursue one of the multiple job search tactics available. But how do you decide which recruitment sites are best suited to your needs?
The big guys
The biggest recruitment sites on the web include Monster.com , HotJobs.com and CareerBuilder.com . These are excellent sources of information about a wide variety of industries and the job prospects within those industries. If you are unsure of what field you want to work in, or just want to learn more about several fields, these large recruitment sites are excellent resources.
They are not as effective, though, at actually securing you a job. Because they are so big, the companies that post positions on these sites are literally inundated with resumes for each job opening. The chances of your resume standing out enough to get you considered are rather slim. You simply cannot settle back after posting your resume and wait for the phone calls to come in.
Industry specific
A better choice for online job search sites are those that specialize in specific industries or professions. The advantage of these sites is that they only post positions in their target area, making it much easier to find openings that are suited to your experience and qualifications.
You can find industry specific sites in several ways. Try using a common search engine with the name of your profession as the search terms. Another good way to find sites that focus on a specific industry is to check with professional organizations and associations. Many such organizations host their own job search sites, or provide referrals and links to other sites that focus on their particular profession.
Regional and community-based sites
These are some of the best web sites to search for online postings because they have a completely different focus than the big sites. They generally are not as focused on quantity as they are on quality, and many smaller organizations much prefer to use a smaller site. This allows them to avoid being flooded with resumes, a common occurrence for employers who post to the larger sites.
One of the most popular community-based sites is Craigslist.org . More and more cities of all sizes now have a Craigslist site, so you can quickly and easily search the location of your choice. Other smaller sites can be found by checking with the Chamber of Commerce or economic development agency in the region or community where you want to focus your search.
The importance of balance
Using an online recruitment site is just one tactic you can use to search for employment. The key to a successful job search is to take advantage of tactics such as using online sites along with other methods of searching. You should never rely on just one or two search activities, but instead undertake a balance approach that maximizes your chances of success.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
The Disadvantages Of Using A Recruitment Firm
Recruitment firms are an established part of the employment landscape, filling a need for both employers and job seekers. As with anything, though, there are some disadvantages to using a recruitment firm. Whether you are a job seeker or a hiring company, it is important to fully understand what it means to use a recruitment firm and what potential impact it can have.
The disadvantages for job seekers and hiring companies do differ somewhat, though, since each party has a different perspective and purpose for using a professional recruiter.
Disadvantages for the job seeker
For the job seeker, using a professional recruiter can be an exercise in frustration. It can be very difficult to get a recruiter to notice you and respond to your e-mail or telephone calls. You should not take this personally, however, as the recruiter may receive literally hundreds of such contacts each day and there is no way to respond to them all.
Another disadvantage for the job seeker is that the recruiter is paid by and therefore works for the hiring company. Their primary interest is focused on finding qualified candidates for the company's open position(s) so if you don't fit the needs perfectly you are not likely to be of importance to the recruiter at that particular time. Of course, if you are noticed by a recruiter and are considered for a position you can expect to be treated with respect, but always remember that the recruiter's primary allegiance is to the hiring company.
Some job seekers become confused about using recruiting firms because many firms offer services other than traditional recruiting. More and more recruitment firms are expanding their revenue streams by offering career counseling, interview preparation, and resume writing services to job seekers. The job seeker is charged a fee for these services, but is in no way guaranteed consideration for open positions on the recruitment side of the business. Depending on your situation, it may be beneficial to seek out such services, but remember that true candidates for a recruitment position should never have to pay a fee.
In most recruitment firms, only one recruiter is allowed to use your file at any given time. This means that if you are under consideration for one open position and another position comes along that would be a better fit, you will not be considered for the other position. This is why some employment experts suggest you work with two or three recruitment firms at a time.
Disadvantages for the hiring company
One of the biggest disadvantages for the hiring company is the cost of using a professional recruiter. The typical fee for a successful placement runs anywhere from 20% to 30% or more of the new hire's first year salary. And if the recruiter is hired on a retained basis, the fee is generally paid regardless of whether anybody is actually hired for the position or not.
For many companies, the time it takes to evaluate and select a suitable recruitment firm is a disadvantage. If only one or two positions need to be filled and qualified candidates are easy to find, it is often more cost effective to do the hiring process internally instead of going to an outside recruiter. The cost vs. benefit will vary from company to company, so it is important to consider all options before committing to a professional recruiter.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
The Recruiter And The Hiring Company
The key to understanding how to work with a professional recruiter is to understand the relationship between the recruiter and the hiring company. This relationship is important because it dictates most of the recruiter's activities and drives their focus based on who is paying the recruiter's fee.
Whom does the recruiter work for?
Always remember that a professional recruiter works for the hiring company, not for you. This fact can easily slip into the background when you are deeply involved with prepping for an interview or otherwise interacting with the recruiter. In the end, the recruiter's primary goal is to satisfy the hiring company by finding the best candidate(s) possible to fill open jobs.
There are two primary ways that a professional recruiter is paid for his or her services: on a contingency basis or on a retained basis.
Contingency - This type of payment structure means that the recruiter only is paid if a suitable candidate is found and is actually hired. It is a very common payment arrangement for mid to lower level positions, multiple vacancies of similar positions, and in marketplaces where there is a ready supply of qualified candidates.
Retained - This type of payment structure means that the recruiter is paid a retainer fee in advance for their search services. In most cases, they will keep the retainer fee even if no suitable candidate is found or hired. It is a very common payment arrangement for high- level executive positions, positions that are hard to fill or required very specialized candidates, or when the hiring company has a specific executive in mind and needs the recruiter to make contact because that executive is still employed at another organization.
What is the recruiter supposed to do?
The hiring company will specify how much or how little they want the recruiter to do. The recruiter may only be asked to supply a list of suitable and interested candidates for the hiring company to screen and interview, or the recruiter may take on more of the screening and interviewing responsibilities. It just depends on how "hands on" the hiring company wants to be and how involved they want to be in the hiring process.
In some specialized cases, the recruiter will be charged with pursuing a specific candidate on behalf of the hiring company. In these situations, the recruiter will generally be responsible for making contact with that candidate and convincing him or her to meet with the hiring company. It is also quite common for the recruiter to play an intermediary role of some sort during the discussion process.
What is in your best interest?
Keep in mind that you need to look out for your own best interest during any discussions with a professional recruiter and their client, the hiring company. This does not mean the recruiter is out to "get you" or otherwise take advantage of you, but it does mean that the recruiter's primary job is to satisfy the hiring company's needs.
It is always in your best interest, though, to develop and maintain a good rapport with the professional recruiter. Even if you are not ultimately selected for the position that is currently open, the recruiter will remember you favorably and is likely to approach you in the future when another suitable position comes along.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
Top Tips For Dealing With A Recruitment Professional
Many job seekers turn to recruitment professionals when searching for that perfect job. Others who are already employed find themselves contacted out of the blue by a professional recruiter. In either case, there are some dos and don'ts for dealing with a professional recruiter that can make the difference between getting a job and being passed over.
When you make contact with a professional recruiter
Many job seekers turn to professional recruiters as part of their job search activities. Most, though, have unrealistic expectations about the response they will receive and fail to fully understand the recruiter's job. Here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success when making contact with professional recruiters:
Ask for a referral - Before contacting any professional recruiter, ask your friends, family and colleagues for referrals. If they have dealt successfully with a particular recruiter in the past, it is easier for you to be noticed if you mention the person who provided the referral.
Remember who is paying the recruiter - When contacting a professional recruiter, never forget that he or she is not working for you. The recruiter is working for the company seeking to fill a job position, so expect him or her to focus on the company's needs rather than your needs.
Be specific - Some professional recruiters advertise that they have expertise in any industry or profession. This is not necessarily strength, as a recruiter who attempts to serve too many different industries is unlikely to have in-depth knowledge of any of them. Instead, focus on professional recruiters who specialize in your field or profession. They are most likely to have relevant positions and their expertise means they are better able to recognize the quality of your qualifications.
When a professional recruiter contacts you
At some point in their career, a professional recruiter will contact most upper level executives. How you handle that contact can be critical. Here are some tips to keep in mind when a professional recruiter comes calling:
Take the call - If a recruiter contacts you, take the call even if you are happy in your current job. It never hurts to hear about other employment opportunities in the marketplace, and you should establish a positive relationship with the recruiter in case you are ever in the job seeking position.
Be discreet - Most recruiters will not come right out and ask if you are interested in a potential position. Rather, they will provide some brief information and ask if you know anyone who might be interested. Be polite and ask for more information, which will usually be provided somewhere outside of your current office environment.
Look to the future - If a recruiter contacts you it is a good sign that you are viewed as a good performer and a desirable employee. Treat every conversation with a recruiter as a form of job interview, as the recruiter will be assessing you throughout the discussion. Even if you ultimately decide not to pursue the position, you will have established a positive relationship that will likely benefit you in the future.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
Understanding The Role Of The Recruiter
So you are attending a job fair. The room is filled with booths and tables staffed by human resources representatives, or recruiters, from a wide range of companies in a wide range of industries. Before you start making the rounds, it is important to understand the role of the recruiter and how he or she will affect your job search.
The recruiter's role
Some job seekers do not fully understand the role of the recruiter. They view recruiters as getting in the middle or in the way of their job search, preventing direct contact with the hiring manager(s) for available positions.
These job seekers are going to have a long and frustrating job search, because the vast majority of companies now use recruiters almost exclusively to facilitate the hiring process. The recruiter has four main roles to fulfill:
Company representative
Gatekeeper and screener
Inform and educate candidates
Negotiate offers
Let's take a look at each of these in turn.
Company representative
The recruiter is the company's representative to potential employees - the "face" of the company at job fairs and such. His or her job is to promote the benefits and advantages of working for their company in an effort to attract the best and brightest job candidates. This role has grown tremendously in importance as the job market has become more and more competitive. In some industries where qualified workers are difficult to find the recruiter's job takes on many of the characteristics of a marketing professional, trying to "sell" workers on the company and get them excited about working there.
Gatekeeper and screener
The recruiter also serves as the primary gatekeeper and screener of resumes and job applicants. This is particularly important at job fairs as they usually have the opportunity to meet the candidates and learn a bit more about them. One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is to be dismissive or impatient when speaking with recruiters. This is a very poor choice indeed, as the recruiter will consider personal interactions with candidates as one factor in whether or not to grant an interview.
Inform and educate candidates
The recruiter is an important source of information and education for job candidates. They can provide important details and insights about specific jobs and responsibilities, as well as provide a good overview of the company culture and what to expect when employed there. The recruiter is also a critical source of information about benefits and other aspects of overall compensation, which can be very important indeed when considering more than one job offer.
Negotiate offers
The recruiter often plays a role in negotiating the specifics of job offers. They work with hiring managers to ensure salary ranges are appropriate based on internal and external factors, and they may also act as the primary negotiating contact for salary issues. In many companies, the hiring manager has to gain the approval of the recruiter in order to extend an offer or alter the terms of the offer extended.
Putting it all together
The extent to which a recruiter plays each of these roles will vary from company to company. They may share some of these responsibilities with the hiring manager, or they may take on more of a consultant role to the hiring manager. Either way, no job seeker can afford to dismiss or ignore the role of a recruiter if they hope to have a successful job search.
Get the professional edge with a powerful resume. Certified writers. Interviews guaranteed. Call or e-mail now to start today.
You will be delighted with the results.
.................................................................................... TOP
|
