A Recruiter Is A Matchmaker For Job Seekers

Finding a job is similar to dating.

It’s overwhelming and a little exhausting, yet exciting. You join a few websites, change your status on social media, and tell your friends you’re available so they keep an eye out for the perfect match. When you find a potential connection, you pick a meeting date and location and make sure to dress up so you make a good first impression. 

But there are times when the connection just doesn’t work. Maybe you should have read those comments his ex-left on his Instagram first. Or the connection works so well you’re already looking forward to the next date. 

When thinking about your job search, think about your recruiter as your matchmaker. 

Below are some of questions I get asked all the time, so I thought to bring my expertise to you and outline what recruiters really do and how best you can work with one.

What exactly does a recruiter do? 

Recruiters are experts at finding, vetting, and connecting job seekers with open positions. They do everything from interviewing candidates to working with hiring managers to find the perfect fit. Recruiters are often the first point of contact between a company and a candidate, helping a company find a team member that has the exact experience, strengths, and goals they are searching for. 

There are two kinds of recruiters - one that works within an agency and another that works as an arm of a company’s HR department. Agency recruiters usually work within a set expertise, like tech or business, while recruiters employed by businesses hunt for candidates that fit specific roles in their company.

What are the benefits of working with a recruiter? 

It’s super easy to hop on Indeed or LinkedIn when you’re ready to start looking for a job, but finding a position that fits your exact needs can be tedious and frustrating. That’s where working with a recruiter comes in! There are tons of benefits, like: 

·        It’s confidential. Keep your search a secret, rather than having to send and post your resume throughout the industry. This is a plus for someone trying to find a better opportunity while they are still employed. 

·        Honest feedback and guidance. Recruiters know what companies are searching for so they can steer you in the right direction when it comes to recommendations and references. Some may share information like where you stand in comparison to other candidates and, if numerous opportunities exist, they may even steer you towards a different position that better matches your experience. They may also share if you are on the right track when it comes to the salary you’re requesting and how to get prepared for an interview. 

·        Not all openings are easy to find (or even posted). Working with a recruiter can give you access to some unposted opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. 

·        Gain access to a big network of employers. Recruiters that work for an agency have a bunch of open positions they are working to fill at any time. Plus, they will take the logistics of scheduling off of your plate. 

It’s important to remember that recruiters are not career coaches. Why does that matter?

Recruiters have to meet their client and/or bosses expectations before yours. They aren’t decision makers and what they do is not personal.

Plus, if you’re in the market for a new position tomorrow, they may not be the best fit. It could be a while before you hear from them if they don’t have anything available immediately or if you simply don’t fit an opening they need to fill. 

Another thing to remember?

Your resume is a living, breathing document. It’s not something you can set and forget and it should be updated or at least tweaked regularly. A recruiter won’t touch this. Most will only work with the information you have provided them. Plus, if you’re making a big, juicy pivot in your career, there is going to be a lot to uncover before you are ready to be interviewed. This is going to be too much homework for your average recruiter. 

If you need more guidance and support than what a recruiter can offer, it looks like you need a career coach. 

I’ve been doing this for a long time (over 20 years!) and have helped everyone from globally recognized corporate brands to solopreneurs itching for a major career pivot. I have helped get hundreds of people back to work, making more money with as little stress as possible. 

The difference between what I do and what your average recruiter can do for you is ten-fold. As an Executive Career & Business Coach, my job is not only to find a good place for you to work. My passion is teaching you personal development methods that help you stand out and support your success. 

Here’s how I take recruiting 500 leaps further than the average: 

·        This is personal. Call me old fashioned but I am going to get on the phone with you (or a Zoom call) to build a connection first. I care about finding you the right position that meets all of your needs, so I want to hear your story. Tell me about your experience, skills, what your dream position looks like, and let’s get real about your pain points and concerns.  

·        We’re all human. Let’s act like it. Working with a recruiter shouldn’t feel like you’re talking to a robot or someone who just wants to meet a quota. I will never force you into something that doesn’t feel like the perfect fit, nor will I make you feel bad about changing your mind in a job search. We’ll jump on follow up and debrief calls after every interview so you can download your thoughts and feelings and talk through any questions with a “neutral” source.

·        Preparation is key. Before we even start connecting you with open positions, we’re going to go through an initial phase of preparing everything from your resume to your interview skills. I’ll have questions prepared so you know exactly what to expect in your interview. Your resume will be reviewed with a fine-toothed comb to bring out your best qualities and highlight the points you should speak to when you’re ready to sit with a hiring manager. We’re going to find ways to shake any nerves you have and get you hyped up! 

·        My spidey-senses are always tingling. When we work together, I will sense quickly if I feel you are not in it for the right reasons, looking to take a counter from your own company, or simply just not ready to make the major jump needed. I’m a self-proclaimed human emotions tracker so I’ll suggest that the timing to work with me may not be right if I do not believe your motivation and interest are in the right place. 

I will challenge you to be the best version of you there is, within every interview and interaction you have. It’s my job to push you to bring your A-game to the table. If you’re ready for your aha! moment, click here to start working with me today! 

I wish you the best job search ever!