Only on the odd occasion do you find people who extol the virtues of recruitment consultants. The funny thing is it’s the same few people who seem to get all the luck when it comes to job hunting.

If you ruled out the prospect of using or have an ingrained negative view of recruiters, you could well be hindering your job hunt. Consider the basics:

Why do they exist?

Recruiters are paid to fill jobs for their clients (employers). Employers know advertising can be costly and managing the response time consuming. It is far easier to give the job to a consultant and then review 3 or 4 CVs rather than having to filter 200 inappropriate ones.

As the recruiter becomes more familiar with an employer, they get an unrivalled insight into the needs and preferences that influence hiring decisions. A successful recruiter will become a trusted advisor for a hiring manager and the first port of call when a vacancy arises. How do they operate?

Recruitment consultants work hard to build relationships with employers. Employers inform selected recruiters when specific vacancies arise. And so the search begins - the consultant searches their database, online networking sites (especially LinkedIn), their personal network and may even advertise the job to find and shortlist suitable candidates.

This is why you get calls out of the blue.

What’s in it for you?

Access to a vast number of opportunities otherwise not visible, to have a professional persuade an employer to interview you and to ensure you’re better prepared for interview, armed with inside knowledge. The case is pretty compelling and the list could go on.

What can you do?
Recruiters are not careers advisors. If you send a generic CV with a generic covering note saying you are looking for general opportunities, don’t expect much back in return. Recruiters want candidates (job-seekers) who know what they want and are able to explain this clearly.

Just as a recruiter needs to find specific people for specific employers, you need to find a specific recruiter. This takes perseverance. For every recruiter able to help, you may have to approach 20.

A common mistake is being sloppy when dealing with recruiters. This could mean sending a below par CV expecting the recruiter to turn a blind eye, or even worse, tidy it up for you. It could also mean not being enthusiastic, open-minded and professional when you meet or talk.

The effective approach is to treat every piece of communication with a recruiter as an extension of the interview you are waiting for.

What do they charge?
A fee is charged by the recruiter to the employer when they successfully place a candidate. This is usually calculated as a % of your salary, typically ranging between 10-30%, charged over and above your salary (this is not akin to taking a cut from your pocket).

Finding a job is famously time consuming. Make it easy for recruiters to help:

• Select recruiters specialising in your field

• Be specific and professional at all times

• Persevere

Best of luck,

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