Job searching can be daunting and time-consuming. From saving you time, to expert market knowledge and access to undisclosed roles, we look at the top benefits of working with recruitment agencies when looking to get hired.
It won’t cost you anything
Generally speaking it’s the employer who pays the recruitment agency– job seekers get the benefit of a recruiter’s connections, time, expertise and industry knowledge without any fees attached. That’s not the only benefit - keep reading to find out what a recruiter can do to power your job search and help you make your next career move.
Recruitment agencies save you time
Struggling to find the time alongside your day job (and social life) to find and apply for jobs? Recruiters are dedicated to scouring the market to find top candidates for their clients, and it’s in their interest to match you with potential roles. It’s their priority to make sure the jobs get filled, so using a recruitment agency can save you a huge amount of time by letting someone else do the legwork for you.
They know the market
Of course, this doesn’t apply to all recruiters, but the best ones will always be up to speed on the latest industry trends and updates. Understanding the hiring market for your job sector means recruiters can help manage your salary expectations and advise how competitive the job offer is.
Working with an experienced, specialist recruiter also means they’ll have a good understanding of your skills, qualifications and expertise, and can match these to available job opportunities. What’s more, they may well have placed other candidates in the companies you’re looking to work for, giving you the inside track on what it’s like to work there, from things like culture to career progression.
They have access to a bigger network
Recruiters have huge networks and spend a lot of time making connections with companies looking for help growing their teams. Tapping into their network for your job search also means you aren’t just relying on your own connections – such as ex-colleagues, friends and family – to be considered for upcoming roles. Once the recruitment agency knows what you’re looking for and what you have to offer, they may even be able to put you forward for jobs not yet being advertised; they may know in advance that the company is about to start hiring and can get you in the door first. Getting access to the undisclosed or ‘hidden’ job market through your recruiter’s connections gives you an advantage over job seekers searching for roles on their own and puts you one step closer to landing your dream job.
They can guide you throughout the recruitment process
Interviews can be daunting, and a recruiter can help put you prepare and let you know what to expect on the day. They may already have a trusted partnership with the hiring manager who will be interviewing you and can share tips on their background and interview style to put you at ease. Whilst they ultimately work for the employer, it’s in their interest to help you perform at your best, and their support and inside knowledge can make all the difference. From advice on interview etiquette, body language, dress code, cultural fit or how to answer tricky interview questions, tapping into your recruitment consultant’s knowledge and expertise can make all the difference when you’re getting ready for the interview.
They can be your long-term ally
With the idea of a ‘job for life’ generally accepted as a thing of the past, it’s very likely you’ll eventually be looking for a new role. Recruiters are in the business of building relationships with candidates and clients, and most are in it for the long haul. Staying in touch with your recruiter can mean they’re up to speed on your career path and can help you land your next role when you’re ready to start looking.
You stay in a database
Even if you aren’t successful in the first role you go for, your CV doesn’t just get tossed aside – you’ll stay in the recruitment agency’s database and on your consultant’s radar for future openings. Applicant tracking systems makes sorting and shortlisting candidates easy, as the software matches the skills and experience on your CV with relevant jobs. So, working with a recruiter – even if you aren’t initially hired for the role you’ve applied for – can still give you a better chance of securing a great job than going it alone.
If you need help updating your CV or to find out about our latest roles, contact your local Adecco branch and connect with a recruiter today!