While ‘recruiter’ can bring to mind a certain reputation, the fact is, they do get people jobs.
You should think of a consultant as your own personal brand ambassador. A person tasked with the sole objective of supporting you to reach your goals. That’s what we strive to do here, at any rate. Don’t believe us?
Why is it So Hard to Find a Job?
In today’s fast-paced world, the demands and expectations of employers continuously evolve. The competition is fierce, with countless qualified candidates looking for limited opportunities. Navigating this complex landscape requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of industry dynamics.
Searching for a job can be a time-consuming and emotionally draining. It involves crafting tailored resumes, networking, and enduring multiple rounds of interviews. The process can feel like an uphill battle, often resulting in frustration and self-doubt.
However, by engaging the expertise of a reputable recruiter, job seekers can gain a competitive edge. These seasoned professionals possess extensive knowledge of the job market, insider connections, and insights into the hiring process. With their guidance, candidates can streamline their search, uncover hidden opportunities, and secure their dream role.
Here are some of the many ways we are able to help:
1. A guiding hand and expert counsel
Changing your job is one of the biggest things you can do. Working with a specialist recruiter can alleviate the stress associated with making the leap. Giving advice, counselling you pre-interview – that’s what consultants do. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of this expertise?
2. Niche industry knowledge
Working with a specialist recruiter in your niche sector not only means that they have a good understanding of your skills, qualifications and experience, it also means that they have their finger on the pulse of the industry (many have a background in that area). So when an opportunity arises that fits your needs, background and aspirations, they will be amongst the first to know. What’s more, they’ve probably already successfully placed candidates in the companies you would like to work for, so have developed a trusted partnership with the hiring managers – something else you can take advantage of.
3. Save time
By deciding to find a new job, you have committed to a big, life-changing decision. But what do you do next? Sit twiddling your thumbs while waiting for automated systems to ‘respond’? A good recruitment consultant can help speed up the entire process. As mentioned above, that trusted relationship can get a foot in the door early – you’d be amazed at how fast things can happen from the moment you show interest in a role. What would have taken you months can be achieved in weeks or even days. In some cases, the consultant won’t need to wait for a company to say they need new talent, they’ll know in advance and already be talent pooling. Or they might help create an opportunity for you based on your discussion with them, and their understanding of the space you want to work in.
4. Getting you properly prepared for that interview
Interviews can be daunting, especially if it has been a while since you participated in one. Your recruitment consultant will help you to prepare for your big moment, sharing their insight and experience about the company, its culture and the role, instilling you with confidence to walk through the door, pick up the telephone or dial in to Skype and ace that interview! Whether it be body language, etiquette, dress code, travel logistics, cultural fit or how to answer those tricky interview questions, your consultant is a font of all knowledge – tap into it and ask for their support.
5. Negotiating the best deal for you
You got the job! Getting an offer of employment is always fantastic news, now all you need to do is make sure that the salary is fair. It’s an awkward conversation, but this is where your consultant shines! They are your chief negotiator, working hard to ensure you get the best deal possible when it comes to remuneration, bonuses, incentives and holiday entitlement. They will also help you understand the longer term prospects – i.e. training, learning and development opportunities – that will be open to you. They’ll also help you construct your resignation letter and handle any obstacles which are thrown in your path, such as eleventh hour counter offers.
How can you help your recruiter?
To get the best from this candidate-consultant partnership, don’t just sit back and wait; there are myriad things you can do to help your recruiter better help you.
1. LinkedIn, CV and references
Your consultant probably found you via your amazing LinkedIn profile; now make sure that your CV is equally up to scratch and tailored for the role, as many companies still place heavy reliance on that document. Your consultant will use all of this information to a) ensure that you and the role are perfectly matched and b) build up a profile to enable the hiring managers to clearly see why you’re worth the investment.
Most employers still carry out referencing and like to see a couple of contacts on your CV, but to further boost your prospects, it’s well worth asking colleagues and managers to write a recommendation for you on LinkedIn, extolling your virtues. This can elevates your application above the rest.
2. Be open with your recruiter
Talk to your recruitment consultant not only about your expectations, but also about the longer-term career aspirations and ambitions you have. Be sure to tell them about your specific strengths as well as development areas. They want to learn about you not only as a professional but as a person, so they can place you in the right role at the right company.
Let them know if there is a particular company that you would love to work for and similarly any that you would not wish them to pursue. It is also a good idea to share with them details of any current opportunities or offers that you may have, so they know not to approach them (unless of course you would like their help) – dual applications are awkward!
3. Be honest
There’s a reason everyone knows the saying: ‘honesty is the best policy’. It’s because any fabrication relating to your skills and experience probably will be discovered. Which in turn could cause embarrassment at interview or force the hiring manager to withdraw their offer of employment, depending on how far the deception has gone. Be honest and realistic about your abilities, it’s not worth the hassle, quite frankly.
4. Make yourself available
This is a huge bugbear for consultants – candidates not picking up the phone when a call has been arranged, or proving inflexible when trying to arrange interviews. We know how difficult it is to organise time off without the boss getting suspicious, but if you’re serious about getting a new job, you need to bend a little. What’s helpful is telling your consultant when you’re can be available for interview in advance, so they can schedule times that are mutually convenient.
Without wishing to sound dramatic, recruitment consultants’ express purpose is to match the best candidates to the right jobs. Most of them get lots of job satisfaction at knowing they’ve helped –even transformed– someone’s life, and have identified their client’s next top performer. So it makes sense to use one to help your job search; just make sure you help them to help you.
If you’d like to speak with one of our recruitment consultants about finding a new job or to identify top talent, please get in touch.
Find out the candidate-recruiter relationship.
Why Choose Us?
At ARM, we pride ourselves on being the top choice for job seekers and employers alike. Our unrivaled expertise in the recruitment industry sets us apart. With a vast network of qualified candidates and leading companies, we connect the right talent with the right opportunities. Our dedicated team of experienced recruiters ensures a streamlined and efficient hiring process, saving you valuable time and resources.
We go above and beyond to understand your unique requirements, providing personalized solutions that drive success. Trust us to deliver exceptional results and make your recruitment experience a seamless one.
Contact our team today to get started.
Stephanie Birch-Foster
Group Marketing & Communications Manager
