In discussion with friends, I have realised that very few people actually know exactly how recruitment agencies work. There are many misconceptions out there and people have the perception that recruiters are magically able to ‘get them a job’. Surprised, that it is not true?
The reality is as much as recruitment agencies would like to lay claim to the fact that they ‘get people jobs’ they are only facilitating an introduction, presenting a candidate to a possible employer – the HR or hiring managers, that’s the person that actually gives someone a job.
Want to know what recruiters really do all day? Amy Ala wrote a brilliant blog post about this topic called “No, I don’t get people Jobs – I’m a recruiter” and I share with you her thoughts on this:
Read the hiring manager’s mind.
We all know that job descriptions have little, if anything, to do with what the job actually entails. I have to get inside the head a bit of the person who actually does the job giving – what problem are they trying to solve? What skills and abilities does a candidate need to possess to adequately solve that problem?
Find people
We call that sourcing. Some recruiters still do the old post and pray, some tweet, some inmail, some search resume databases, some even actually pick up the phone.
Probe and influence
Ok, I’ve got the people. Now I have to read their minds. What would make them consider an opportunity with my company? Where’s their salary threshold? Do they have what it takes to be successful in this circus? At the same time, I have to influence my hiring managers to give my (qualified) people an interview.
Close, close, close
Move the hiring manager towards an offer. Close them high. Move the candidate towards offer acceptance and resignation of their current job. Close them low. Meet in the middle and make everyone happy. Then make sure the candidate not only shows up on day 1 but that his new boss has arranged for a desk for him to sit at.
At the end of the day recruitment agencies can really only bring the interested parties together. They setup meetings between matching people but what happens at the interview that’s out of their control, that’s where only you will be able to make sure you ‘get a job’!
However there are many benefits to making use of specialist recruitment agencies including:
- Consultants in these agencies are specialist in their fields and have in-depth knowledge about the specific industry’s background, market and jargon.
- It saves you time, others do the hard work for you. You have a whole team of people helping you in the search for your next career opportunity.
- You have expert career advice at hand, helping to guide you through the interview process and professional assistance during the salary-negotiating phase.
If you are currently in the job market, or maybe just thinking of looking for a new position, be sure to contact Communicate Personnel. We have over 30 years experience within the Finance, IT, Engineering and Supply Chain/Freight industries, and skilled consultants that will be able to assist you in your career progression.
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