Whether you just finished up a project-based assignment or you’re looking for the next long-term stop on your career journey, the realities of the job hunt can be difficult to navigate. How do you balance the need to scour job boards, send in applications, manage interviews, research hiring companies, and keep track of your follow-ups? Most importantly, how can you effectively evaluate each opportunity so you know if it’s truly the right one for you?
If this stress-inducing juggling act sounds familiar, you’ll be happy to hear that it doesn’t have to be this way. A seasoned recruiter—one you trust—can streamline and improve your job hunt every step of the way.
Let’s look at some of the biggest reasons why.
It’s free
When we ask job seekers why they’ve never worked with a recruiter before, one of the most common responses is “I thought it would cost money.”
We’re happy to bust this myth right now: job seekers do not pay a single dime to work with a recruiter.
Recruiters are paid by the hiring companies who need to fill roles on their teams. That means you, the job seeker, can take advantage of the recruiter’s services completely free of charge.
Read more: Debunking 4 common myths about working with a recruiter
Save time and reduce stress
Consider the time you spend perfecting your resume before you even start your job search. Then add in the hours it takes to scan job boards, research hiring companies, and submit applications. When you’re already working full-time, it can start to feel like you have two jobs—and not enough time to do either of them particularly well. Plus, you’ll invest all of this time and energy upfront with no guarantee of a response from the hiring company. Talk about frustrating.
When you work with a recruiter, you’ll have one-on-one guidance in crafting your resume and completing your application. You’ll also have someone to advocate for you throughout the application and interview process. You won’t have to worry about sending follow-up emails into the abyss, hoping someone will see them; your recruiter will make sure your resume and qualifications are getting the consideration they deserve.
Read more: How to navigate the job search when you’re working full-time
Expand your network
When you embark on the job search by yourself, you rely on your own network of family members, friends, and former colleagues to get insights on the market and potential job opportunities. Even if you have a sizable professional network, it pales in comparison to the amount of connections recruiters have in your industry and geographic area.
Not only do recruiters have connections with hiring companies, they have direct contact with decision makers—and they can advocate for you in a one-on-one setting.
Access to a greater range of job opportunities
Without the help of a recruiter, job seekers typically only see the open roles that are posted on job boards or company websites. In reality, those jobs are often the tip of the iceberg in terms of the actual opportunities available.
Plenty of companies are trying to fill roles that haven’t been posted yet; these companies have often partnered directly with a recruiting agency to find the most qualified candidates possible.
When you’re partnered with a recruiter, you often hear about under-the-radar roles before other job seekers, and get a direct line to hiring managers before other candidates.
Earn the salary you deserve
When you have a recruiter on your side, you have an industry expert advocating for your interests throughout your job search. Your recruiter knows your value based on your skills and experience, and they’re motivated to get you the best salary possible in their negotiations with employers.
Read more: How to effectively negotiate your salary for a new job
Find a company culture that aligns with your values
In recent years, company culture and the employee experience has become an increasing focus for job seekers. Diversity and inclusion, a healthy work/life balance, robust employee benefits and strong company values are big motivators for today’s candidates as they consider new roles. Recruiters are deeply invested in helping job seekers secure positions that not only offer the salary and job title they want, but also the work environment and employee experience that aligns with their values.
When you partner with a recruiter, you can talk candidly and openly about the culture and employee experience you want. Because they understand these critical factors, a recruiter can match you with employers that align with your wants and needs. Additionally, they can advise you against applying to jobs or pursuing employment with companies that aren’t a good fit.
Get career insights from a labor market expert
Many times, job seekers are understandably concerned that a recruiter will manipulate their job opportunities to ensure the biggest payday for themselves. While that may be true in some cases, good recruiters always value long-term relationships over short-term financial rewards. A good recruiter strives to provide candidates with actionable career advice and guidance; their goal is to help each candidate achieve professional satisfaction and career growth.
At Vaco, our recruiters serve as labor market experts for the duration of candidates’ professional lives. They provide job seekers with an abundance of resources, including tips for interview prep, best practices for writing and formatting resumes, and insights on salary trends across the market. These resources help candidates set themselves apart in a competitive field and pursue their professional goals with confidence, no matter where they are in their careers.
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey? By partnering with a Vaco recruiter, your job search will be less stressful, less time-consuming, and more fulfilling.
Learn more about our job seeker resources or reach out to us to get started on the path to your dream job.
