Recruiters often get a bad press. They’re perceived as annoying people who are just in it to make a quick buck. In some cases this

 

is true, recruitment is like any other industry; there are good recruiters and bad recruiters. If you have previously been put off by recruitment agencies or if you are simply unsure as to what they really do and how they work, then carry on reading, as below outlines the details you need to know as a candidate when working with good recruiters.

 

Misconception

Let’s get this one out of the way straight off the bat. Many jobseekers think that recruiters charge a fee to the candidate. The fee comes from the hiring company, and this is only approved when they agree to hire the person they want through the respective recruitment agency.

This fee is completely separate from any negotiated salary and it does not affect the candidate in any way whatsoever. Top businesses need to attract the best talent, and recruiters are there to bridge the gap between the two.

 

Making Connections

Through years of networking and previous appointments, good recruiters are known to have a wealth of contacts in their address book. This means that they are able to speak to the right people, at the right time. This is something you, as an independent candidate, are unlikely to do. Unless of course you personally know the hiring managers at your most desired companies.

Good recruiters undertake proactive work continually throughout the year, so they know when is the right time to strike with a top candidate.

 

Hard Yards

Good recruiters make the ground for you by speaking to the most applicable companies more efficiently. As an independent candidate looking for work, you can spend a fair amount of time speaking to companies, one at a time.

Or, you could let recruiters pick up the phone for you and they could speak to twice as many companies in the same amount of time. It is their job to do this. No doubt you have other obligations, work that you need to take care of and you only have so many hours in the day, so why not let the recruiters do the hard yards for you?

 

Realisation

You know that sinking feeling when there you are, sat face to face with the interviewer, and you’ve just realised that you are under (or over) qualified for the job. You might realise that you’re a small fish in a big pond or vice-a-versa. This is less likely to occur when a good recruiter is putting you in for the job.

More often than not, the employer is likely to reveal much more information to the recruiter compared to what is on the person specification and job description. Therefore, the recruiter will know if you are the right fit for the job and if you should be walking into the interview room in the first place.

 

Representing

One of the most valuable aspects of working with a recruitment consultant is that they can be a truly independent representative of who you are as a candidate and most importantly, as a person. It’s difficult to communicate ones personality through a CV. Similarly, if you have something unusual on your CV, it can be hard to explain that to an employer if you’re applying directly.

Good recruiters usually have two-way contact with the employer and can make a stronger case for you above competing candidates, negotiating a more preferable package on your behalf. Recruiters will also be able to receive more comprehensive feedback on any interviews or applications which you may not be able to receive when applying directly to the prospective employer.

 

Personal Development

Recruitment consultants are known to prepare candidates for interviews on a regular basis. Here at Veritas, we strive to personally meet each candidate in preparation for an interview. We aim for a win-win situation for both candidate and company and by meeting you, we are able to make a stronger case for you when communicating with the employer. This essential part of the process also gives the hiring companies peace of mind as it proves that you are who you say you are!

Good recruiters will also shortlist you for other suitable vacancies, if your skillset matches the requirements. We will, of course, make you aware of this and everything that we do is complied with your permission – from the sending of your CV to the formal confirmation of the job acceptance. We want the best for you, always.

While working independently to find jobs can be rewarding, it can be a time-conscious activity. By working with good recruiters, you are much more likely to find the right job for you and it should be a large part of anyone’s job seeking strategy.