Frequently Asked Questions:

I have never worked with a recruiter before. What does it cost? Why should I use a recruiter instead of looking on my own?

There are several key advantages to working with an experienced recruiter rather than searching solely on your own:

Access to great positions and companies. Recruiters have access to jobs which might not be found through channels you would search on you own such as job boards or the newspaper. Some organizations exclusively fill their available positions through outside agencies and many have established long-term relationships with their recruiters. The recommendations of these trusted sources give their candidates special consideration over resumes that they might receive by simply posting their jobs to the public. Furthermore, companies willing to invest in a candidate by hiring a search firm are making an investment in your retention and continued success within their organization.

An ally in your job search. A good recruiting firm will take the time to find out exactly what you are looking for and match you with only the most appropriate companies and positions. These strategic efforts can dramatically reduce your search time. Your recruiter will also be able to provide you with insights into the company, position, and interviewer that you would not have on your own. The recruiter can also act as an intermediary between you and the company in negotiating on your behalf. A good recruiter will also give their candidates interviewing tips, feedback, and resume advice as needed throughout their search.

Lastly, most reputable recruiters do not charge a fee to the candidate. They are paid by the employers who partner with us to find the talent they are looking for.

How do I go about finding the right recruiter to help me in my job search?

Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations on reputable, effective recruiters they have worked with in the past. Visit their Web sites to find out what their geographic and industry specialties are. Contact several before making your choice. You want to choose a recruiter who is looking to make a good match for both your needs and the employers: not one who seems to have little time to meet with you or discuss your needs in detail in an effort to merely fill a position.

How should I prepare for meeting with a recruiter?

You can help your recruiter in your search for the perfect position by keeping the following tips in mind. When meeting with your recruiter:

Be clear about the geographical area you'd like to work in, the salary range you are looking for, and the kind of position you are looking for. These basic questions are among the first things your recruiter will ask you.

Bring a hard-copy of your updated resume with you to your interview as well as making sure the recruiter has your most recent electronic version. It never hurts to bring the contact information of several references along as well. Your recruiter is relying on you to provide these essential tools needed to sell you to her clients.

Be honest with your recruiter. After an interview, the recruiter relies on your feedback for tailoring your search both for tailoring her search and for getting an idea of the kind of work environments which suit you best. The more she knows, the better able she is to present you to the employer which will be the best match for you both. Let your recruiter know if you are interviewing elsewhere or using other sources to find employment. This could work to your advantage, expediting the process of securing a position.

What are the advantages to my company of working with a recruiter?

The right recruiter is essentially a specialized consultant, skilled at finding talent in the areas of expertise that you are looking for. Selecting a recruiter who knows your industry and the skill set needed for the position you are looking to fill, saves your organization money and time. A good recruiter will only present you with the most appropriate candidates for your position, eliminating the task of sorting through resumes of and interviewing, ultimately unqualified candidates. The best recruiters will often have a vast network of resources for sourcing the most appropriate candidates to fill your position, allowing for a search that is much more rapid than an in-house generalist might perform.

My company is considering working with a recruiter to fill a position. What kinds of things should we be asking to determine if a particular recruiter is right for our needs?

When deciding which agency to partner with in your search, there are several things you want to consider. You might ask colleagues for recommendations on recruiters they have worked with in the past, or do your own research. Call several agencies that specialize in placing candidates in the types of positions you are looking to fill. Request their marketing materials and/or visit their Web site. Once you have narrowed your choices down and are ready to start calling, some questions to ask are:

1. How long they have been in business in the area?
2. What are their professional affiliations?
3. Who are some of their other clients?
4. Have they conducted similar searches?
5. How do they source their candidates?
6. What types of information do they provide on the candidates? Will it be a short blurb? Candidate resumes? A completed application?
7. Do they interview their candidates in person?
8. Do they check references or do background checks as needed?
9. What is their process for presenting candidates or setting up interviews with candidates?
10. How are their fees calculated and billed?
11. What are their policies for issuing refunds/finding a replacement if a candidate doesn’t work out?

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