Should you Use a Job Recruiter?

If you’re planning a job search, it’s worth considering sending your resume to one or more recruiters. Involving a recruiter in your search has several benefits.

Exposure to the Hidden Job Market

Some experts suggest that up to 80% of jobs are not advertised using traditional methods. These jobs are not advertised, and as such they’re referred to as being part of the hidden job market. Employers often hire recruiters to find employees to save them the time and hassle of advertising and conducting job interviews, or in cases where they prefer to keep their employment opportunities confidential. A recruiter can put you in touch with companies you didn’t know were hiring, and give you a chance at jobs that you’d never hear about otherwise.

Exposure to Specific Jobs

Some recruiters work for employers in specific industries. If you’re targeting a particular industry or field, working with a recruiter who specializes in that field can help you eliminate the jobs that aren’t relevant to your career focus.

Time Constraints

For you as a job seeker, working with a recruiter can save you plenty of time. They’ll not only give you access to the untapped job market; they’ll also do it on their time and not yours. If you’re currently employed while you’re searching for a new job, the services of a recruiter can be invaluable.

Compensation Negotiation Help

In many cases a recruiter will help you negotiate your compensation package if you’re offered a job by an employer they’re working for. This can remove much of the “guesswork” involved in negotiating, as a good recruiter will have extensive knowledge of the current market value for your position.

The Service is Free for Job Seekers

A recruiter’s fee is paid by the employer, not the job seeker. For you, it’s completely free. Note, however, that this is because the employer has hired the recruiter to find them an employee, and working with a recruiter does not guarantee that they’ll find you a job.

This means that in most situations working with a recruiter should not take the place of a job search. A recruiter can expand your network, but since there’s no guarantee they’ll find work for you, it’s usually best to make your own job search a priority and consider a recruiter as just one of many possible ways of finding a job.

Also, please review our Tools to Find a Job section.  If you need more help, please consider using a Career Counselor.