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Q:
How do I find the “best” (if there is such a way to tell) recruiters in a particular field or desired work location? I have just started my job search and am struggling to figure out which recruiting companies or recruiters I can target to contact or send my resume to. Or should one just use the buck shot method and hope for the best?
A:
Recruiting firms are usually either generalists or specialists. Some work nationwide, while others may only work in a specific region or even a single city. Finding the “best” recruiter is really a matter of opinion and who you are comfortable dealing with
The best way to find a trusted recruiter in your industry is to ask around. Ask your college professors or work colleagues. You can also search LinkedIN for recruiters within your field as well – we’re all there. Most than likely, you’ll have the best luck finding opportunities through recruiters who are specialists in your field.
Remember: A recruiter works for a client company, not the candidate. Recruiters do not always spend a lot of time with candidates until they have a matching position varies. Some recruiters will take a few minutes to get to know you better for upcoming opportunities, especially if they think there is a good chance of placing you in the near future, but there isn’t always time to speak to each candidate in detail when filling open searches is the priority.
Ensure the recruiting firm has the information it needs. When you present your details to give the recruiter the pertinent information about your background and your search. Your resume, career highlights, your interests, geographical preferences, and salary range are a good start.
Don’t use the buckshot method. You do not want just anyone with a copy of your resume in hand. Unfortunately, not all recruiters will treat your information in confidence. There are recruiters out there who will just float a resume around the industry to see if they can get any interest and an easy placement without even speaking to you. You don’t want to be the spaghetti they are throwing against the wall to see if it sticks.
I’ve heard stories of people who are interviewing on their own with companies and all the sudden some unknown recruiter sends the person’s resume as if it were the firms referral without ever having contact with the candidate. It’s an uncomfortable situation to be in - so protect your information. This is a unprofessional and unforgivable practice, but it happens – choose wisely!
This is part of an on-going series of candidate questions submitted through this blog. If you have a question you would like featured, please submit it here. Confidentiality is guaranteed.
For other candidate questions, see the archive of questions.
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Comments
03.03.09
One of the best ways to find recruiters is to use the Kennedy Guide to Recruiters - also known as the Redbook in the trade. You can find it online through Kennedy - which publishes in the recruiting space and runs recruiter conferences.
You can also find the Kennedy Guide in most major libraries in their reference section.
Another strategy if you're looking for recruiters who place people at your level is to ask your boss and their peers whom they use to hire people just like you? If you ask around enough, you'll discover the same 3 names keep coming to the surface.
Barry Deutsch
IMPACT Hiring Solutions
03.03.09
Here's another important thought about recruiters: everyone is complaining that recruiters don't return phone calls. Unfortunately, it's impossible to return the calls of everyone who would like to speak with a recruiter.
However, as a recruiter, I will always take the call if a trusted member of my network tells me I should speak with someone - this again reinforces the importance of networking - it's one of the few methods you'll be able to gain access to highly successful/in-demand executive recruiters.
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