Why Working with a Recruiter is Key to Success.

A recruiter can provide helpful advice and coaching guidance during your job search, such as recommending ways to improve your resume or interviewing skills. When recruiters understand your qualifications and career goals, they can help you find a job that's the right fit for you. Knowing how to work effectively with recruiters can help you use their guidance, connections, and expertise to find a new job.

The ability to form ongoing relationships with influential recruiters can prove more critical to your career success than any other networking outlet.

Some characteristics:

Saves time.

Using a recruiter can save you time that you can better use elsewhere. Finding a job is a time-consuming process. It's necessary to look through multiple sources to find job openings in your specialist area before tailoring your resume and cover letter to fit each opportunity. They know what jobs are available and are often aware of potential openings soon.

Helps to access more opportunities.

Not all employers advertise job opportunities through job sites or boards that you can access. A large number are of jobs never publicly advertised. Recruiters are often able to access a significant portion of these jobs. This gives you an advantage over others in your specialist field who aren't using a recruiter.

Focuses on specialist skills.

Some positions require a person with a unique set of skills. This can often mean there are more positions available than there are candidates to fill them. Employers looking to fill a position in these circumstances generally use a recruiter to find a candidate that meets their very specific needs. Using a recruiter often increases the likelihood of finding a position that matches your specialized skill set due to their employer database. The recruiter can also provide you with additional information in relation to the position that may not be apparent from the listing, increasing the likelihood of success.

Helps through the job application process.

The process of applying for a new job, negotiating the terms of your employment, and starting at a new company can become overwhelming. Using a recruiter means that you've got someone who's a professional in the area by your side to guide you through the process. A good recruiter is often looking to place you in the best possible position and usually prepares you for the job application process. They're able to help you with all aspects of the process, from your application to accepting an offer. Some even help with your onboarding for your new position.

Wants to find you employment.

Recruiters focus on finding a position that's in line with the unique skills you have to offer. They're competing with other recruiters in the field to be the person that successfully places a candidate in any given job. This means they're highly motivated to do everything they can to secure you a suitable position.

Provides access to a larger network.

Even if you're a seasoned veteran in your respective field, your potential network of former colleagues and employers, college professors, and friends and family is relatively small when compared to what a recruiter can offer. Recruiters are likely to have numerous contacts in the field that you're able to take advantage of while searching for the right job. Recruiters spend a good portion of their professional life cultivating employment opportunities and increasing their networks. The recruiter aims to do everything possible to promote you within their network.

When you find a talent solutions firm you love to work with, consider recommending the business to friends and colleagues. Great referrals can help to raise your profile — and may inspire recruiters to think of you as new job opportunities arise.

No matter where you are in the job-hunting process, honesty and responsiveness provide a great foundation for building a solid relationship with any recruiter.