
For every job advertised, there may be close to a hundred candidates who are fighting for that same job. Your CV might be great, but it’s not easy to tell the difference between a great one and a good one when it’s sitting in the middle of a giant pile of others just like it. You need something that will make you stand out. That’s where recruiters come in.
Scenario one: Not using the right recruiter
You spend hours online looking at job boards, posting your CV and applying for many jobs without knowing much about them. You send over a generic CV which hasn’t been looked at by a professional and which may be too broad for the roles you’re applying for. If the hiring manager hasn’t put the job ad together very well, you could turn up to an interview that’s very different to what you were expecting. Your experience in these interviews knocks your confidence.
Scenario two: Using the right recruiter
Don’t just go for any recruitment consultant. It’s important to use specialist recruiters. Your recruiter needs to know and understand the industry that you’re in. Good recruiters vet all applicants before interviews because they don’t want to supply their clients with unsuitable candidates. They also don’t want to waste your job searching time by putting you forward for a role you’re not qualified for or suited to.
Your recruiter has an in-depth conversation with you about what sort of role you’re looking for, where your strengths lie, what sector you’re interested in working in etc. He/she then helps to tailor your CV appropriately. The recruiter gets in touch when a job comes up that’s a good fit for you. He/she knows what the hiring manager is looking for, so briefs you on what to wear, how formal you need to be, what key skills you need to focus on and how to adjust your CV for the requirements of the job. Recruiters know what a good interview looks like and can give you some advice on how to perform well and impress the hiring manager.
Most people don’t want their current employer to know they’re interviewing for another job. By using a recruiter, you don’t have to put your CV up on public job boards and can keep your job search confidential. Good recruiters stay in touch over the years so they can help you at various different stages in your career.
Once you’ve interviewed for a position, your recruiter will chase the hiring manager for interview feedback and if you receive an offer they will negotiate your salary on your behalf.