The Benefits of Working with a Recruiter

Let’s face it—linear job searches are rare. They’re often accompanied by feelings of uncertainty, false hope, and a demanding schedule. For many people, finding a full-time job can feel like a full-time job. For both new and experienced job seekers, the opportunity to reduce stress and save time during a job search is a no-brainer.

Enter the recruiter. Working with a recruiter comes with many advantages that can alleviate stress and save you time. Among them, accessing the hidden job market, increasing your visibility, and sometimes, cutting the entire process in half. If you’ve been considering working with a recruiter to supplement your job search, help is readily available. Read on to discover the six benefits of working with a recruiter to find a position that aligns with your specific needs.

1. You’ll gain access to the hidden job market

The hidden job market refers to positions that are not openly advertised or posted on job boards. In many cases, these positions are retained specifically for in-house connections and referrals. If you’re not connected to someone on the inside, you can easily miss out on a great opportunity. The one loophole? Recruiters. Companies who work with a recruiter often grant them exclusive rights to fill certain positions. This exclusivity means recruiters have access to job opportunities not readily available on standard job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. Some companies strictly rely on third-party outsourcing to find the right candidate. Platforms like LinkedIn are saturated with positions accessible to any other applicant—why be one of the many, when you can gain access to a wealth of hidden opportunities that might otherwise remain undiscovered?

2. Access to the inside track (a position of advantage)

Recruiters don't just work on your behalf; they also represent the companies working on the other side. Ultimately, these companies are the recruiters' clients. To provide exceptional customer service to their clients, recruiters strive to find candidates who can bring value and suit the organization's culture. As a result, recruiters invest considerable time in preparing you to meet the company's expectations. It’s in their best interest to present you favorably to their client, so they may suggest alterations to your resume, provide guidance on the interview process, or offer advice on how to best position yourself. Working with a recruiter can give you a competitive edge throughout the entire hiring process.

3.  They possess expertise in your industry

Recruiters have a unique understanding of your target industry. While they may not be experts in the field, they do have an expert grasp of what’s required of these types of candidates. It’s easy to feel like you may have all the answers, especially if you’ve been in the industry for a long time. However, recruiters have valuable insights into what the top candidates look like; they know which skills, supplementary documents, and experiences can help you secure the right opportunity. They can work with you to determine in which areas you excel, and how to clean up any areas that need a little polishing. A recruiter's expertise is making a remarkable first impression. So regardless of your experience level, they can assist you in positioning your qualifications in a way that truly sets you apart.

4. They’ll increase application visibility

Submitting a job application can feel like it gets lost in a sea of hundreds of others. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be the case. For many job seekers, it can be disheartening to see the number of applicants reaching into the thousands on platforms like LinkedIn. Not to worry—this is where collaborating with a recruiter truly makes a difference.

Nowadays, many companies rely on AI software, such as Applicant Tracking Systems, to filter applications based on specific keywords. If your resume or cover letter lacks the right criteria, your application may be disregarded without ever being seen by human eyes. This is where recruiters act as the bridge between your application and the hiring manager. They hand-deliver your application, ensuring it doesn't get lost among the masses. So, by partnering with a recruiter, you increase your chances of bypassing the initial screening process and directly connecting with the employer. This gives your application the best chance of standing out and being noticed.

5. Using a recruiter is a better use of your time

Like we said before, finding a full-time job can feel like a full-time job. It requires filtering out the right opportunities, tailoring your hiring documents, narrowing in on keywords, identifying job requirements, salary, and much more. Now add in a 40-hour work week. On your own, you may be able to talk to around three companies a week. A recruiter can help you connect with ten times as many employers in the same timeframe. Remember, this is their full-time job. They’re dedicated to investing their time and energy into helping candidates get hired. This is cost-free, saves you time, and will give you a major leg up in the process. Talk about a return on investment. 

6. They’re invested in your success

Having someone in your corner during the job-finding process can make a significant difference. Recruiters, who are often paid on commission, are highly motivated to help you land a job. Your acceptance of a job offer translates into a paycheck for them—based on your first-year earnings. Not to worry, it won’t come out of your paycheck. However, this fee structure drives recruiters to place candidates quickly and effectively, which ultimately benefits you in your job search. But it's not just the commission that drives them. Recruiters take the time to get to know you on a personal level and often become your biggest champions. They genuinely root for your success and are invested in helping you find the right opportunity. Having a recruiter on your side means having someone who truly understands you beyond what resume-scanning software or hiring managers can achieve. This personalized insight enables them to present the best options, increasing your chances of finding the perfect match for you.

Take control of your job search by seeking help from a professional recruiter. It won't cost you anything and can only help you in the long run. Think you’re ready to dive into the recruitment process? As with anything in life, finding the right fit is important. That’s why we’ve compiled a few key questions to help get you started.

• How does your recruitment process work?
• What is your recruitment specialty?
• How long have you been recruiting in this industry?
• How many candidates have you helped to find positions in this industry?

If you’re ready to give it a try and find out first-hand how working with a recruiter can transform your job hunt, connect with a talent specialist today. If you’re not quite there yet, check out the resources available on our Job Seeker Hub, submit your resume, or jump in and apply for one of our open roles!