Ok so we’re obviously slightly biased, but we think working with a̶ ̶r̶e̶c̶r̶u̶i̶t̶e̶r̶ the right recruiter can really improve your job search. If you’re not sure what recruitment agencies do, or if it’s right for you, read on to find out what we really do for the job seekers that work with us.
What recruitment agencies do
Specialist recruiters will work with a range of employers in a specific niche/industry or on a specific role type, while bigger generalist recruiters will work on a range of industries and role types. There are benefits to each, depending on the type of role you are looking for.
Employers usually hire external recruiters if:
a) They want someone else to manage the hiring process for them, which could be for a number of reasons including time, resources or expertise
b) They have been unable to find the right candidates themselves and need specialist help
How can a recruiter help you?
Connections - Recruiters are connection-builders, and well established recruiters have great networks in their industries. They may be able to get you in front of the hiring manager you didn’t know existed, for a company you didn’t know was hiring. It could take you years to build up all the connections a recruiter and her combined colleagues have, so tap into their networks!
Time-Saving - If you’re doing your own job search you could send out 20 CVs and not hear back from anyone. If you work with a recruiter, you can send them 1 CV and after discussing some options with you, they’ll quickly get your CV in front of top relevant employers, and push for feedback for you. (They should never send a CV to an employer without getting your approval first, so there’s no need to worry about confidentiality). They often get briefed on roles before the employer goes “live” with them, so you may hear about roles before anyone else.
Knowledge - With years of experience in their fields recruitment consultants can offer salary advice and help you understand what you’re really worth, and what your ideal next step would be. They can also tell you exactly what it’s like to work for various companies as they’ll have collected feedback from both an employer and employee viewpoint.
Honest feedback - As the “middle man” recruiters can take honest feedback from you and potential employers, clear up any confusion, and will definitely be cheering you on to their client. The best recruiters will help provide tips on improving your resume and coach you through interview techniques.
Be ahead of the competition! With a better knowledge of the company's culture, the job specifications,and even insider info on the interviewer and interview process, you can go into the interview with a stronger insight into how to succeed.
It’s Free! Recruitment agencies don’t get paid by the job seeker - we get paid by the employer. If a recruitment agency tries to charge you, a job seeker, for their services, steer clear! It’s illegal in some countries, and not a good practice. On the flip side, because it is the employers who are paying us, as much as we’d like to, we can’t help every job seeker that comes to us, as we have to use our time to fill the requirements of our clients. We’ll always try and be upfront with you if we’re unlikely to be able to help you, and can even recommend other recruiters who may be a better match.
How to find a recruiter that suits you
There are plenty of good recruiters out there, but of course there are also terrible ones too. The easiest way to find a good one? Ask friends or ex-colleagues who work in the same industry as you if they’ve worked with any good recruiters or recruitment agencies that they’d recommend you work with, or avoid!
If you can’t get any personal recommendations a good starting point for finding recruiters is on LinkedIn. You can search for recruiters in your location and industry and see if their profiles look professional . Reach out to them and see if they are able to help you.
One final way to find a recruiter would be to check licensed agencies on the MOM directory (Singapore), or check agencies who are registered with APSCo (UK or Singapore).