When to use a recruiting firm for your job search

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When it comes to your job search as a healthcare professional, you often have several options available to you. These can come in the form of networking, referrals, direct applications, and the use of a recruiting firm. As job seekers, you often know what job you are looking for and have a variety of tools available at your disposal for your search. But, how about when it comes to using a recruiting firm? How do you determine when to use one and which one is the best one for you?

Let’s start off by saying that recruitment agencies can be a goldmine in your job search. They often have connections to several jobs at one time and have worked to build a relationship with their clients (the employer). They understand who and what the client is looking for. Keeping this in mind, they will often work very hard to “sell” your profile to the client if they feel that your credentials as a candidate are competitive. In addition to this, recruiters and agencies can at times also help guide you through the process by answering questions you have and giving you pointers about what to expect during the interview process.

When to use a recruitment firm:

Time Saving – Once you have a relationship built with a recruiter and a regular point of contact is affirmed, the recruiter will have you in mind for potential roles that arise. Using a recruiter will save time in your job search, as they will be able to match you up with roles that they feel are a fit for you. Using a recruitment firm is also helpful when you are currently working, as they will be able to screen out jobs that are not in line with your preferences, and this can be helpful in eliminating unnecessary job interviews. When doing your job search, it is also a good idea to be in touch with a few agencies.

Salary – When it comes to the salary question, this is something people often struggle with, and a recruiter might be a way to get some help. The key rule to remember is that the more money you make, the more money the recruiter will make. Now this doesn’t mean that in all instances you will earn more when working with a recruiter, but what it does mean is that you will have someone in your court when it comes to negotiating a salary. When you talk with a recruiter, you will often have more flexibility to talk candidly about your salary expectations. In addition to this, the recruiter will have more bargaining power to help you out during the process.

More Effective Search – As a healthcare professional, you already lead a busy life and possibly work in a very specialized field. When executing your job search, you will want fast access to jobs in your field. This is something that a recruiter can provide for you. Since a large amount of jobs that are available are not directly advertised, working with a recruiter can help you tap into these resources. Recruiters often already have built relationships with employers and will have a strong insight into what is required for these positions.

When to not use a recruiting firm:

Duplicate Applications – So the recruiter calls and discusses a job with you for which you have already applied. As a job seeker, you think you will go through with a second application so that your name will be more noticeable to the company. No harm, right? Wrong! When it comes to applying for a job, always make sure you submit only one application.

Inconsistencies – When working with a recruitment agency, it is important that you have a strong relationship with the recruiter with whom you will be working. It is worth saying that not all agencies are created or run equally; as with any industry, there will be good ones and bad ones. One of the red flags to look for when working with an agency/recruiter is fees. As a job seeker, you should not have to pay a fee since the client (employer) only pays the agency a fee once the position is filled. You should also be aware of how well the recruiter knows your industry and how informed he or she is on the position for which you are applying. If you have questions the recruiter cannot answer, this could be a sign of disorganization. An additional red flag could be the amount of pressure put on you to submit your application for a job, or how “salesy” the recruiter comes across in communication with you. If this is a situation you are facing, it might be time to move on. Remember, the role of the recruiter is to help you find a job that best matches your qualifications and career aspirations.

Connections – When conducting your job search, you may come across situations where you already have a firm connection to a perspective employer. These could come in various methods, such as being a previous employer, a connection in your network, or a LinkedIn contact.  When you are in situations like this, it is best to collaborate directly with your connection when processing your job application. One of the main purposes of a recruiter is to act as the liaison between you and the employer. If you already have a direct connection with the employer through your network, your connection could act as your liaison and can potentially act as a strong point of reference, giving a good testimonial about your character and credentials. Tying into this can also be local job searches - if you are a candidate who works or lives in the close-knit community, seeking out an informational interview as part of your job search strategy is a great way to build a stronger rapport with other professionals in your community, while helping to get your foot in the door of an organization for which you are interested in working.

As you can see, there are both ups and downs when choosing to work with a recruitment agency. Working with a recruitment agency can help to improve your overall job search and can bring about job prospects that you might not have had access to before. When working with an agency, ensure that you build a continuous relationship with your recruiter, and be very clear on what you are looking for as a candidate in your next position.