Why should you use a recruiter in your job search?

We live in an era where we are constantly connected through social media and opportunities are available at our fingertips. Vacancies are being sent directly to us each day, not only from various job boards or LinkedIn but also Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even Snapchat, but with so many opportunities readily available and accessible, why use a recruiter?

When to use a recruiter

The sales job market is dynamic and continues to evolve every day, which is why the knowledge and insight of a recruiter can be especially useful during a job search. In the instance you are a specialist operating in a very niche industry, know people working in each organisation, understand their culture, management styles and working environments, then a DIY job search may serve you well. However, in the more likely case you are not, seeking the help of a specialist recruiter will be highly beneficial. Whether you are looking for that next step in your career, changing industry sectors or just seeking a change of scenery, a good recruiter will be able to explain the ins and outs of a benefits package, provide an insight into the company culture, what the line manager is like to work for and how to best prepare for an interview. 
A not so obvious example of when a recruiter can really add value to your search would be while you are exploring your options internally. If you are up for a promotion, and you have hit all objectives defined in your PDP, this is a great time to get in touch with a recruiter to assess your options. Is your salary in line with the market rate and are the responsibilities similar to those of other companies? How does your employer’s dynamic working policy compare to other organisations in the sector?
Conversations around salary benchmarking, bonuses, benefits and culture, regardless of whether or not you are looking to make an external move are very much welcomed. In fact some of the best relationships I have with my candidates have been built on an initial conversation where the expectations were set from the start - those professionals looking to move up or into new roles within their current organisation, but are also interested in assessing external options to keep their finger on the pulse and compare current opportunities.
Another example would be a recent graduate with great academics and multiple grad schemes offering fantastic career development opportunities. Speaking to a recruiter operating in a field where you want to work will give you an insight into the culture of the organisations, how many people leave after completing grad schemes and which organisations have the highest retention rates. While a recruiter might not be able to place you in a scheme, a good recruiter would encourage you to reach out as it builds relationships for the future.

A more valuable job search

So how can a market specialist recruitment agent add value to your search? As a professional with extensive knowledge and a strong network within their area of expertise, a specialised recruiter will be best placed to assist you with your job search. They can provide you with information on the specific market sector, business function and location you are looking in, including the following insights. 
  • Market conditions – whether there is a candidate or job shortage.
  • Recruitment trends – who is hiring and who is restructuring.
  • Salary/package benchmarking.
  • Culture of specific organisations, their attitude to office/home working, dynamic working, staff turnover and bonus structure. 
  • An objective view of different opportunities and compare them to other organisations in the sector.
  • Advice on the recruitment process – stages, expectations and timescales.
  • Knowledge of upcoming vacancies that might be in the pipeline for the next month or quarter.
  • Recruiters will follow up on your behalf and will know who to chase for feedback.
  • Recruiters will receive more direct feedback following an interview.
  • When it comes to an offer, a recruiter will negotiate on your behalf.
     

Making the most of your recruiter

In order to get the most out of the relationship with your recruiter, it is essential to be sure of the following points and to be completely upfront about your expectations. 
  • Before you check the job boards or speak to a recruiter, identify what your reasons are for looking. What frustrations do you face in your current role/company? Is it something that can be rectified? If you have any doubts I would suggest a conversation with your employer first, to make them aware of your concerns.
  • Once you have decided that an external job search is the right thing to do, identify what you would like to achieve in the new role. Determine what the new organisation would need to offer you and the kind of culture you enjoy. These are questions that I would ask during an initial meeting/conversation so I can advise you on which organisations would be best suited.
  • Identify the specialist recruiters in your market, it doesn’t have to be just one, though the quality of the relationship you build is just as important as the expertise a recruiter can offer you. How many strong recruitment relationships can you realistically maintain? 
  • Honesty and setting realistic expectations is essential. If you are honest when relaying your expectations to a recruiter and honest with your feedback on suggested roles you will build mutual trust. A good recruiter would much rather you said no to a role that doesn’t interest you at the start than cancel an interview with half an hour to spare.

Summary

Having a good relationship with a specialist recruiter will significantly improve the value of your search – from benchmarking your salary, to providing an insight into the company culture and interview process – a good recruiter can provide a wealth of knowledge. In addition to assisting you with your job search, thinking ahead to when you yourself are hiring for your team in the future, you have a known and trusted contact to assist with your recruitment processes.
For more information or to discuss how we can help with your job search contact your local Michael Page office. Alternatively, create a MyPage account to submit your CV and one of our expert consultants will be in touch.