Any candidate in transition or working professional has most likely bumped into a recruiter at some point. Many executive recruiters often actively headhunt passive job candidates whom are currently employed. And if you are in the process of conducting an active job search, you have probably responded to an advertisement for a job opening placed on a jobs board by a recruiting firm. However, a well-thought-out, effective job search that covers all of the bases intentionally includes professional recruiters. Professional recruiters can turbocharge your job prospects and expand your job search. They have insider knowledge of companies, and have developed long-standing relationships with hiring managers and human resources. Recruiters also provide access to the hidden jobs market. Many companies, especially large global organizations, retain the services of a recruiter to simplify the time consuming hiring process and to avoid screening hundreds of resumes for each job opening.

Recruiters Come in Many Shapes and Sizes

There are hundreds of professional recruiting agencies to choose from. And they all fill a certain niche. Some firms deal exclusively with c-level senior executives. Many recruiters specialize in certain industries, such as sales, technology, finance or administrative support. If you have your heart set on working for a certain company, the only shot you have of landing an interview may be through a recruiter. Some recruiters are specifically retained by a company to exclusively recruit and place their employees. If you are searching for a position with an organization as a contractor in the technology field, chances are you will first need to go through a recruiter. Now you can see why leaving professional recruiters out of your job search puts you at a clear disadvantage.

How to Choose the Right Recruiter

Before you can find the appropriate recruiter to help you in your job search, you need to define and narrow down your career goals. Recruiters often are tasked with placing candidates to fill a targeted niche within a company. Job seekers that present targeted career goals that are clearly defined in their resumes and cover letters, have a greater chance of drawing the attention of top-notch recruiters and landing an interview. Telling recruiters that you desire an executive position in “ Corporate America,” for example, is not a successful job search strategy. However, saying that you are seeking a position as a senior financial analyst for a technology firm, providing financial support for global sales, is an example of a defined, targeted career goal. Inform the recruiter from the outset of your salary requirements and whether or not you are willing to relocate. The more information you provide a recruiter, the more successful the outcome.

Recruiters Demystify the Job Search Process

Recruiters can help you tailor your resume for a specific job opening and prep you for an interview, using their valuable insider knowledge. Have access to a recruiter’s archive of industry knowledge and experience gives you an edge in the hiring process. Ultimately though, it’s up to you to make the most of your opportunities. You still should conduct your own research on an organization’s culture and goals. And remember, recruiters do not work for you. Recruiters work for the employer and are paid a fee by the company. They are tasked with delivering top candidates whom meet the specific requirements of the hiring organization. Understanding the role of a recruiter will help you leverage the services of a recruiter for optimal results. Adding a professional recruiter to boost your job search may soon land you that once-in-a-lifetime job!