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Looking for Advice when Working with Recruiters
During the process of my career transition, I sought the advice of a career strategist to identify my core values, had my resume reviewed & updated and crafted a letter to send to career recruiters.
I'm ready to send the letter but wondered what's the best approach when identifying recruiting companies based on my industry of choice?
RenataIdeal Careers happen by Design
77
10/21/20 at 9:07AM UTC
I am going to agree with Mary on this one. I also think the following is an important step many people tend to overlook. First things first - start by deciding on the sector you want to work in then the company(s) you want to work for. This step is about deciding the type of company and not necessarily a specific company -e.g multi national vs national OR large vs medium/small. Each have their unique pros and cons and only you can decide what you want. Once you know the type then do some research on those companies ethos and culture. Culture fit is critical and 90% of the time this is the deciding factor. Look at the reviews from these companies especially those from people who have left these companies and see if there is a trend in the reviews and what this says about the company , the ethos , the culture and the management style. Once you have a clear sense of what you want from your next employer you can start to target those companies in a range of ways from job boards to recruiters to linkedin to networks. The most important part is to know what you want otherwise you will land up getting irritated and frustrated at the volumes of applications you send out and not receiving any feedback or receiving the dreaded"regret letter."Get specific about what you want and be purposeful in your search and you will get what you want.
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
338
10/21/20 at 8:07PM UTC
Hi Renata... very insightful response and a lesson in one's approach. I have identified higher education (not in a professor role) as a sector I'd like to target. My core value is to "build relationships and empower young thinkers to reach their fullest potential". I have identified academic advisor and career/guidance counselor as roles I'd like to target. In my networking, I am having conversations with my network on what other similar roles I can target. I appreciate your step-by-step approach and will continue to keep focused on my end goal. THANK YOU!
Suzanne ReedExecutive Assistant in Dallas
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10/21/20 at 3:14AM UTC
I agree with @Mary Metsker. Seek out internal recruiters or TA managers on LinkedIn. If you don’t have a direct connection already, see if one of your connections does and can do an introduction to you. I’d also look into video messaging with BombBomb.com - a highly effective tool that can truly open doors and gain attention. It integrates with your email and Offers a 14 day free trial.
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
338
10/21/20 at 11:21PM UTC
Hi Suzanne... thanks for the tip on BombBomb.com, I've never heard of it but will do some research. Again, lots of great advice and I appreciate your time in providing me with some additional insight.
Mary MetskerDirector of Talent Acquisition
52
10/20/20 at 4:35PM UTC
I would suggest doing the opposite. Find companies that do what you want to do and reach out directly to hiring leaders in those companies. Recruiters do not work for candidates but rather companies. And sometimes, (unless it’s an in-house recruiter) companies don’t actually want to work with recruiters, which could prevent them from hiring you even if they wanted to- because they don’t want to pay the recruiting fee.
If you reach out directly to hiring managers, you are more likely to be the early bird to the worm no one knows about yet (the unposted job!)
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
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10/21/20 at 1:01AM UTC
Hi Mary... it looks as if I have my work cut our for me. I can see both sides of the coin and agree, work every angle possible. I appreciate your expert advise and will follow up with the hiring manager of those companies I'm targeting. Again, thank you for your time, it's greatly appreciated!
Roberta SchmidtTalent Acquisition in North America
118
10/20/20 at 12:49PM UTC
Hi Eneyda
I echo the notes shared by other recruiters here. LinkedIn and Indeed are the hot sites - ensure that your profiles on those sites are complete in order to promote yourself.
Best of luck!
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
338
10/21/20 at 2:31AM UTC
Thanks, Roberta! I am grateful and appreciative of your outreach. Great advise from all - thanks!
User deleted comment on 10/19/20 at 8:39PM UTC
Dena B.
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10/19/20 at 8:20PM UTC
If you know anyone in the industry you are moving into, talk to them about who they worked with. Recruiters really run the scale of good to bad. Some of them will try to place you ANYWHERE, regardless of if it is a good fit because they want that commission. Some of them want a good fit because it is good for their relationship with that company as well as with you. You'll refer them and you'll use them next time you want to move. But, I've had them try to convince me to take jobs with terrible commutes, or with bosses I could tell were going to be difficult and it was self serving for them. But, some really do want to help you. If you can get a personal recommendation for a recruiter in your industry, that will help.
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
338
10/19/20 at 8:40PM UTC
Thanks Dena! I've never had any past experiences working with recruiters so your information is helpful. I appreciate the insight!
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
10/19/20 at 6:33PM UTC
Hey Eneyda! Working with recruiters can be a little intimidating. As a previous recruiter, most of us don't bite but we can be pretty driven as it is primarily a commission based industry.
I'd recommend doing some research on the firms that you're considering reaching out to. There are hundreds of firms and they specialize in different industries, companies and they have varied reputations. Glassdoor or even FGB would be a great place to read reviews on the company and learn if it's one you want to consider being a part of. I know a good Project Manager was a hot commodity when I was a tech recruiter.
When it comes to reaching out to actual recruiters, I agree that LinkedIn is a great place to start networking with recruiters that are working on placing people in the industry of your choice. Remember, you don't have to go with the first recruiter that you run across to represent you. Have a conversation with them and see who you'd want to represent you. As the candidate, keep in mind, they need you in order to get paid so you can be a little picky when it comes to who you work with.
I'd also recommend networking with other Project Managers to see who they're working with from a recruiting standpoint, some companies offer referral bonuses so they could get paid if you get paid.
Best of luck!
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
338
10/19/20 at 7:48PM UTC
Thanks Aly! I appreciate your insight from a recruiters perspective - super helpful. Sometimes when you're in the weeds, it's hard to see things clearly until someone points it out.
MelanieHR Leader giving my own two cents to help women.
585
10/19/20 at 6:29PM UTC
Agree with Malissa. Not sure if you will see a return on investment for sending out unsolicited letters.
LinkedIn and Indeed have the market on job openings. If you see something, find out who in your network works there or if they know someone who works there. See if they would provide a referral. Good luck!
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
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10/19/20 at 8:37PM UTC
Thanks Melanie!
Vicki AbelsonLeadership and Life Coach
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10/19/20 at 6:27PM UTC
Congrats on doing the work prior to sending out your resume. That is the first and most important step! I agree with the above. I would go to LinkedIn. There are a few benefits to this: 1) You can find the top recruiters for your industry and 2) connect with people in companies you want to work for (they may be able to connect you with hiring managers, recommend recruiters, or provide other insights).
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
338
10/19/20 at 7:45PM UTC
Thank you Vicki! I'm so happy to have gotten your advice and am now clear regarding my next steps.
Malissa Controller in the Agricultural Industry.
822
10/19/20 at 5:40PM UTC
Why are you sending letters? I'd look on Linkedin for recruiters and connect that way.
Eneyda Rodriguez, PMP, DMCPProject Manager Delivering Exemplary Service
338
10/19/20 at 7:44PM UTC
Thank you, Malissa. It's great to ask the question to expand my reach and hear other's thoughts on the matter. I greatly appreciate your feedback and will take your advice.
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