When you contemplate changing jobs, you may consider looking for a recruiter. But did you know that a recruiter is only interested in you if you meet certain criteria? Before we even go there, though, know that recruiters NEVER work for you - they work for the employers who contract with them.
So what criteria do recruiters use to assess if you are worth their time?
First, recruiters usually prefer candidates who are currently employed. If you're not working, an employer can usually find you on their own.
Second, recruiters usually can't make a match with a candidate who wants to change careers. Employers will only pay recruiter commissions for candidates who currently work in the field they're hiring for - they won't pay recruiter commissions if they have to train a candidate for an entirely new career. Training vs. commissions - see my point?
Third, recruiters usually want to find you - not the other way around. Many consider it a waste of their time to interview candidates if they don't have employer contracts for the positions these candidates want.
In today's Kansas City Star, columnist Diane Stafford explores recruiting practices and has some good advice for job seekers from an actual headhunter, "How to Attract a Headhunter."
Recruiters can do a lot to help you in your job search, and one of the most useful services they can provide is honest reflection of your candidacy. You may think you're exceptionally qualified and that you deserve a salary at the top of the pay range for a position. A recruiter, especially one you have a good relationship with, can tell you whether or not that's true. This is one of the points where some candidates become most suspicious of recruiters - since they work for the company of course they'll tell you you're worth less than you think you're worth. Chances are that's just not the case, especially if they're doing their jobs right and trying to find great candidates for hard-to-fill positions.
Posted by: Career Education | May 07, 2009 at 03:42 PM