Traditionally, recruiters have been defined in two broad groups.  The retained recruiter is paid partly in advance to find an employee.  The contingency group receives their compensation only if they are responsible for causing a candidate to be hired. There is a broad range of contingency firms that you need to be aware of do your research so that you can decide if they can actually help you find a job.

Here is what a recruiter can do for you:

• They have access to and knowledge of opportunities with firms before they are broadcast to the outside.
• They have more in depth information than you will find yourself or in a posting or job description.
• They will coach you and sell you and your attributes. As well as sell around your shortcomings better than you can sell yourself.
• They know how you compare with the competition for the position.
• They can help you manage the process of interviewing and negotiating.
• They are going to help you maximize your compensation possibilities.
• A recruiter often has an objective view of the hiring company, the hiring authorities and the politics of the specific hiring process.
• They know what to do when things “go wrong” in the hiring process and can often times save it.

Here is what Recruiter’s can’t do:

• They can’t get you a job.  They can open the door, coach, teach advise strategize and help.  But the candidate… you, has to be the primary force in getting the job.
• A top recruiter might give career advice, but they are not career counselors.  They are information brokers and hiring process managers.
• They are not miracle workers... they can’t get you the job of your dreams…an interviewing opportunity that you are not qualified for…help you change careers when the economy won’t bear it…help you negotiate compensation plans they are not involved in.
• They don’t do a lot of handholding or respond every time you call.
• Bottom line, unless you have a personal long term relationship with the recruiter, they are not going to give you advice about a job or career change that they are not involved in.

Next date for Teleclasses will be November 18th at 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Register early!

Topic": “Networking like a Pro…Build your Sales Team.”