Aug 9, 20233 min read

Tips for Job Seekers on Working with Recruiters

Updated: Sep 4, 2023

Discover the benefits of working with a recruiter to find a job

What Is A Recruiter?

A recruiter is someone who finds qualified people for open job listings. A recruiter’s primary focus is finding job candidates for companies through utilizing the many social networks and job posting sites that exist today. If you're looking for a new job, recruiters can help you discover the right opportunity!

In-House Recruiter vs. Recruiting Agency

An in-house recruiter recruits job candidates only for their direct employer. They are looking to fill a limited number of roles within their organization.

An agency recruiter typically works for a staffing company. They are usually looking to fill jobs at multiple companies at once, often in the same industry.

Tips on Working with Recruiters for Job Seekers

Working with recruiters can be a great way to find new job opportunities and advance your career. However, it's essential to approach the process with the right mindset. Here are some tips for getting the most out of working with recruiters:

Research the recruiting firm to make sure they specialize in the type of job you're looking for.
Be honest and upfront about your skills, experience, and goals.
Keep your resume and portfolio up to date. Recruiters need accurate information about you to match you with suitable jobs.
Respond promptly to any communications from the recruiter.
Take the initiative and reach out to recruiters if you come across any attractive job postings.
Follow up with the recruiter after interviews or other interactions.

By following these tips, you can build a successful working relationship with recruiters and increase your chances of finding the right job.

Benefits Of Working With A Recruiting Agency

Insider Access - The best recruiters will be able to inform you of amazing job opportunities before they are even announced to the public. If you meet the job qualifications, a recruiter can send your resume directly to the hiring manager, potentially enabling you to bypass the usual online application process.

Expanded Network - Most professionals have a network of past employers, college professors, friends, family, and more. With a recruiter, your network expands to include their connections—and they know many people! A good recruiter can leverage their relationships to help you find job opportunities you wouldn’t have located on your own.

More Job Prospects - It may be surprising that many jobs are never posted on job boards. Some companies post their jobs only on their own websites or only want to receive direct referrals for their openings. A recruiter can help you find more job opportunities by:

Proposing insider opportunities to apply for jobs that aren’t yet public
Prioritizing your application to the top of the list
Presenting additional remote roles or jobs in other parts of the country

Continued Support - If you aren’t immediately matched to an opportunity, you will remain in a candidate database for future opportunities. Additionally, a good recruiter understands the job market in your industry. They can recommend further training to strengthen your resume based on hiring trends.

Optimizing Your Online Presence for Finding Jobs

Typically, both in-house recruiters and agency recruiters will find you as they search for qualified candidates based on keywords for positions they're recruiting. However, if you want to work with an agency recruiter, there are a few specific things you can do to stand out and connect with one.

Update and share your resume on professional networks
Build a personal website with an online portfolio (if applicable)
Maintain a professional social media presence, sharing insight and trends
Optimize your LinkedIn profile with job-related keywords for your industry
Ask colleagues and social network contacts for recruiter recommendations
Search and explore “recruiting agencies” online
Contact an agency that fits your industry and location through email, LinkedIn, or phone
Attend job fairs in your industry
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