Why job seekers are turning to professional recruiters

By PETER KAMURI

Searching for a job can be intimidating. It could also take long to find one. As such, job seekers ought to  plan well and maximise the search. This will help in reducing time taken to secure a given job and guarantee success.

As you hit the road, you may be aware of some traditional methods of job searching like making contacts, using institutional placement services and employment advertisements in newspapers and professional magazine.

However, many job seekers today are turning to professional recruiters to help them get the best choice of jobs. This is after learning that many employers are seeking services of professional recruiters for their manpower needs. So what are the advantages of involving a recruiter, also known as a headhunter, in your job search? Time is of essence for every job seeker.

Working with recruiters will save you invaluable time as they will guide you to the untapped job market and spend their time doing the search for you. Recruiters are helpful when chasing those jobs that exist in the hidden market.

Potential employers may contact recruiters directly when looking for the right person for a job. This is because they may not have time to spend in sorting through hundreds of CVs.  The level of networking for a recruiter is evidently higher than that of an individual job seeker. Over time, they are able to establish relationships within many different companies and organisations, a feat that may be difficult for an individual. In addition, recruiters are at a position to know what different employers are looking for since they understand the work environment. As a potential job seeker, this information can be invaluable when you are preparing for an interview.

Best deal

When it comes to negotiating for salary, recruiters are best placed and will help you negotiate the best deal. A good recruiter has wide knowledge of best value for your position and a person with your qualifications and skills.

Professional recruiters also have incredible experience in finding the right job for you, and can do it many a times. Ordinarily, an individual is capable of making only a few searches as time and resources can be limiting. Above all, the services are usually free for a job seeker.

Recruiters will mostly charge the employer, as the later is the one who has hired them to find an employee for them. Others will charge you only when you have secured the job.

How do you deal with a recruiter? Let the recruiter know what your expectations are for a given position. It is also a good idea you hint to him the kind of organisations or institutions you would like to work for.

A recruiter expects you to be prepared all the time. You never know when an opportunity can present itself. Have your CV ready all the time. Talking to a recruiter before hand where you communicate your needs and preferences is helpful.

Know what to discuss with the recruiter. Talk about expected salary, location of the position, benefits and career progression opportunities available. However, you must be open in your discussion.

From the onset, let the recruiter know what you are capable of doing. Present an image of a person who is professional, talented and a go-getter. The first impression you create when you meet the recruiter is important. This will point to the kind of a person you are.

However, you must know that working with a recruiter is not always 100 per cent successful. Do not totally rely on them. Be open and consider a recruiter to be just one of the many possible ways of finding a job available to you.