Frustrated with Your Job Search? Try using a recruiter the right way.
Are you searching for your dream job in supply chain? Are you feeling frustrated? Have you ever thought about working with a recruiter?
Working with a recruiter can mean the difference between finding “a job” and your “dream job.” First, industry-specific recruiters have inside knowledge of companies that are hiring, often for jobs that aren’t advertised to the public.
Second, they have an insider’s perspective on careers and job outlook, so they know where the jobs are and what kind of salary you can expect.
Finally, to be successful, they have to work hard to match you to the right company, which takes some of the pressure off of you.
Ready to link up with a recruiter? There are some best practices for working with one that will make the process more efficient.
Be honest
The number one rule for working with a recruiter is to be honest with them. Be truthful when discussing your qualifications and background, tell the recruiter the kind of jobs you want or don’t want, be up front about your salary requirements, and any limitations on your schedule (like family vacations or other interviews). If you interview for a job and realize it’s not what you’re looking for, tell your recruiter, so they can adjust the kind of opportunities they find for you. Honesty can be the biggest time saver for both job seeker and recruiter.
Ask questions
Ask the recruiter how many people they’ve placed recently with your background. Ask for more information about your qualifications. Although you might think you’re qualified for a given position, they can let you know if you fit the employer’s requirements. Finally, since recruiters work directly with hiring companies, they’ll know whether a salary for a position is negotiable or if the employer won’t budge, saving you time if you can’t accept a salary below a certain amount.
Respect the relationship
You may think it’s a good idea to have a recruiter locate a great position for you, then contact the hiring company directly, yourself. Be warned: this plan usually backfires. The company hired the recruiter, and if you’re a good match for the position, the recruiter has most likely already presented you to them. If you apply directly, the company will know that you went behind the recruiter’s back. Such behavior is generally considered unethical and can send a red flag to employers.
How do we know so much about it? Because at ZDA, we’ve specialized in supply chain recruiting for years! If you’re ready to work with a recruiter to find your dream job in supply chain, contact us today!