Here are a FEW reasons why…

Recruiters who have direct access to hiring managers can ensure that they are targeting the correct employees for the job

Many companies have pre-set templates, per job title, that they use for job descriptions. These descriptions (templates) might match what the job title is but they typically don’t match the exact need for the work/project that is being done at the time. Finding out the exact need upfront will save time for the consultant and recruiter. It will also allow the job seeker to tailor their resume to the “real” requirement. The recruiter can also proactively start selling the candidate’s skills/abilities before the interview even happens to plant a favorable impression into the managers mind.

Direct access to managers typically means better and faster feedback

You will typically get interview feedback faster when a recruiter has direct contact with the hiring manager. The QUALITY of the feedback will usually be better as well. You can gain a serious advantage, especially in a multi-stage interview process, if you know what’s going through the manager’s mind. He/she will have positives and negatives on which a job seeker is judged. Understanding the (+) and (-) will allow you to tailor your interview responses towards your strengths and weeknesses, as the manager sees them, and set you apart from those who don’t have this information.

Direct access to managers will increase your chances of getting the job at the offer stage

It’s VERY important that your recruiter/salesperson has communication with the hiring manager after all of the interviewing is done. A recruiter/salesperson can utilize a major competitive advantage at the offer stage if he/she can speak with the manager. Depending on the existing relationship, this competitive advantage can be big or small, but it nevertheless can aid in “sealing the deal” between you and the client. Any weaknesses that the hiring manager sees in a candidate can be combated and the strengths can be
reinforced.

Realize that you can still get the job without your recruiter having direct relationships with the clients. Also, realize that sometimes it’s almost impossible for recruiters to have direct relationships with clients these days due to the proliferation of VMS systems. If you’re an “A’ player you will rise to the top. Keep reading for ways that can help you get to the top faster.

Ryan McMillan is a Technical/IT recruiter who specializes in placing testing professionals. He is a native Texan and currently lives in Dallas, Texas. Ryan writes on his blog at www.recruiterryan.com