A personnel recruiter is more likely to be a specialist in an occupation or industry than is an executive recruiter and its fees is paid by the client. But the executive recruiter does specialize in the highest level employees, such as CEOs, but may also be involved with mid-management positions as well. That is the point where there is the greatest overlap between the executive recruiter and the personnel recruiter. It's to the job candidate's advantage to investigate all opportunities, regardless of what the service is called.
The Choice Is Yours, But Be Careful
There are excellent doctors, lawyers and accountants-and there are some who are questionable, to say the least. The same is true in personnel services. Even though the job candidate does not generally pay them a fee, they may misguide candidates by reason of incompetency or anxiety to fill a position-without regard to ethics. Certainly it's not common. But there are enough of them out there to be concerned.
Separating the good from the not so good is a matter of keeping your eyes open and trusting your instincts. The better ones have been around for quite awhile, and they have on staff experienced personnel in the specialty you're interested in.
One way to find out which services tend to specialize in your occupation is to study the employment advertising in your local newspaper, trade publications and The Wall Street Journal, or its sister publication the National Business Employment Weekly.
People who are searching for jobs but are in no hurry to make a change can rely on one selected personnel recruiter. If the candidate is out of work, or his or her job is in jeopardy, it's wise to deal with all suitable recruiters, and for that matter, all other sources.
In the book, "How to Get a Better Job in This Crazy World", (Plume) they have created an acronym: CA.R.T.
C = Contacts. Use your network, and expand on it.
A = Advertising. Answer all appropriate ads, and consider placing position wanted ads.
R = Recruiters. As many suitable ones as possible
T = Temporary services. Many job-seekers have been recruited by the client of a temporary service-just because they were able to see a competent employee in action.
In answer to a common question: What's the best way to get a job? The answer is simple. Do everything at the same time and follow up every lead.
How to Get Recruiters to Work Harder for You
I could probably summarize it in two words, "be nice." Respect the recruiter's time-and also yours. Chatting for the sake of chatting doesn't help you or the placement manager-both of you should be busy. I'm not suggesting that you don't talk with each other-just make it short.
Keep the recruiter informed of your progress in job interviews that the recruiter sends you on. At the same time, you may receive pertinent information to guide you on further interviews. Perhaps the recruiter can give you status information, or further advice.
Read Before You Sign
There are certain forms that most personnel services will ask you to sign. Some are in your interest, others are not. Some are required by law-as an example, forms and procedures to prove that you have the right to work in the United States. And, without your signature, recruiters are forbidden by law to check out references. Refusing to sign this form will cut down on the opportunities you'll have a chance to explore. If you're currently employed, and your employer doesn't know you're looking, you should sign the reference form with the understanding that no current references can be checked at this time.
Standard application forms should be filled out completely, even if the information is covered in a resume. Placement people are accustomed to look for certain information, from time to time, and it's a lot easier for them to find it on your application than searching for it on a resume.
Most recruiters never charge candidates a fee regardless of what may happen later. Example: Some expect a fee if a job applicant accepts a job through the recruiting service, and then changes his or her mind. Or if you quit in a month or two, and they were not fully paid by the company. I'm not saying you should never sign any forms relating to the payment of a fee. Just understand what you're signing.
Career Counselors
Be careful. There are experienced specialists who are competent, ethical and honest. And there are others, some of whom made headline news. Make sure you get references, make sure you actually meet the person who is counseling you, and have a look at his or her resume. Don't read between the lines that they have contacts; expect their connections will get you a job. Perhaps! More likely not.
