JobGoRound

Job Hunting: Finding a Recruiter

It’s a jungle out there, especially for those looking for jobs in a tough marketplace. It can be especially difficult trying to navigate all of the job search boards, social networking sites, and classified ads, not to mention the job fairs that make your head spin. When you’re searching for a job it’s ok to get some help. Working with a recruiter is a great way to focus your energy and let an expert help guide you to the right employer. But finding a good recruiter can be a challenge.

When you decide to find a recruiter to work with, do your homework. Find the recruiter or firm who specialize in your field. Do your research. Taking the time to find a recruiter’s specialty and what they’re background is can save you a lot of time. Get referrals from friends or associates for recruiters they’ve used. If they were happy with them there’s a good chance you will be too.

Once you locate a few recruiters that work in your scope of experience and background it’s time to contact them. Get a feel for how they operate and what they can and are willing to do to assist you in your job search. Once you’ve narrowed it down, build some relationships. Set up meetings to discuss your needs and go over your resume and cover letter and gather information on them and the companies they represent. Don’t stop at just one. Most candidates will work with at least two recruiters. Most recruiters expect this, but be upfront about it and let them know that you’re also working with someone else. This might even drive their competitive spirit, which may work to your advantage.

Finding a recruiter to help you with your job search is a great way to get access to jobs and companies you may not have even known were hiring. But do your homework and research before jumping in with a recruiter or recruiting firm. They will be representing you. Make sure you like the way they work and that you have a good relationship with them. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. Hiring a recruiter could be just what you need to get you into the right job at the right company.

Judging a Book By Its Cover

It’s the employment topic no one wants to talk about, but here goes: do looks count when you’re job hunting? And if so, how much? Sure, most employers want to fill an open slot with someone who showers every day and dresses professionally, but do they also want someone who looks like they stepped off a movie screen?

I’m sorry to admit that I caught myself asking a not-so-politically-correct question the other day. I friend of mine recently hired an outside salesperson for his office, and my first question was, “Is she attractive?” He responded that he thought she would represent the company well. After that subtle but deserved rebuke, I realized that I believed an attractive salesperson would close more deals and make more money for my friend.

I think it’s fair to assume that extremely attractive people have a slight edge in life. There are even studies that suggest babies respond better to photos of attractive people than to those who aren’t as genetically gifted. Since you can’t beat the instinctive lure of attractiveness, it’s time to make it work for you!

There’s only so much you can do to change the way Mother Nature made you, but there’s a lot you can do to convey your level of sophistication. And really, most employers would take an average-looking employee with class and business acumen over a Brad Pitt look-alike with an empty head and muddy shoes. And if they’re simply looking for the prettiest face in the crowd, do you really want to work there anyway?

It’s not pandering to society’s bias toward good-looking people to put your best face forward at job interviews. Instead, it’s a way to silently declare that you value yourself enough to dress and groom yourself impeccably. Make sure your clothes fit well, that your shoes are shined, that your hair is professionally styled, and that you shave (men) or apply subtle make-up (women). A polished image is the first step toward success in the professional world.

Job Hunting: Finding a Recruiter

Judging a Book By Its Cover

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