Bonus: Working With Recruiters
Between refining your resume, searching for job openings, and preparing for interviews, it’s easy to feel a bit like sailing into unknown waters—and yeah, it can seem like you’re doing it solo. But that’s where third-party recruiting firms (you might know them as staffing agencies or headhunters) come in—acting as your agent in the job search process. They bridge the gap between you and potential employers, providing guidance, connections, and the insider scoop that you wouldn’t normally have access to on your own.
Understanding the two types of recruiters
I repeatedly refer to recruiters throughout the course but haven’t yet gone into detail about what that really means and who, exactly, they are. While the objective of this module is to introduce you to, help you locate, and work successfully with third-party recruiters, I want to first make an important distinction between the two similar yet very different types of professional recruiters.
Internal recruiters
These are the insiders, sometimes called corporate recruiters. They work directly for the company they’re hiring for, filling roles within their own organization. They know the company culture and goals inside out and are all about finding the perfect match for each open position.
If you have a specific company you’re eager to work for, building a relationship with an internal recruiter can help get your resume in front of the right people. They will also be your point of contact for initial screenings, scheduling interviews, and presenting a job offer when applying directly to their company.
Don’t
Don’t expect internal recruiters to help with jobs outside of their company. They keep their eyes on the prize within their own walls.
Third-party recruiters
On the flip side, third-party recruiters (aka agency recruiters) don’t stick to one employer. They play matchmaker between candidates and various companies. They’re constantly searching for top talent to fill positions across different employers, helping with everything from finding candidates to smoothing out the interview process. Companies tap into third-party recruiters to speed things up and snag the right person for those tough-to-fill roles. These recruiters often have deep knowledge and connections in specific vertical areas like tech, healthcare, and finance.
Insider Tip
Third-party recruiters often know about jobs that aren’t listed anywhere else. These are the secret, exclusive openings that companies need to fill as soon as possible or want to keep on the down low. You get a backstage pass to these hidden gigs by partnering with a recruiter.
Why third-party recruiters are essential for new grads
To gain access to hidden opportunities
One of the most significant advantages of working with third-party recruiters is their access to the “hidden job market.” Many companies don’t publicly advertise all their open positions for everyone else to see. Instead, they rely on recruiters to find qualified candidates. So, hooking up with a recruiter means you get first dibs on jobs that aren’t listed anywhere else—super clutch for new grads who may not yet have extensive networks or industry knowledge.
Don’t
Don’t rely solely on public job postings. Many great roles are filled behind the scenes through recruiters.
To have a personal advocate in your job search
Recruiters do more than just pass along your resume—they’re your personal cheerleaders. They make sure you stand out to hiring managers and pitch why you’re the best fit for the role. This advocacy is particularly helpful if you don’t have significant experience or if you’re competing against more seasoned candidates.
Insider Tip
Recruiters are paid by the companies they hire for—not by you (the candidate). So they’re always motivated to find the right fit. After all, your win is their win.
To receive expert career guidance
Recruiters understand the industries they work in and the types of candidates companies are looking for. They can give you specific feedback on how to spruce up your resume, ace your interview, or position yourself just the right way for specific jobs. It’s like having a free coach who knows all the career hacks.
Don’t
Don’t ignore feedback from recruiters. If they suggest tweaking your resume or cover letter, listen. They know what hiring managers want.
To fast-track your application
Thanks to their tight relationships with the companies they’re hiring for, recruiters can often fast-forward your application process. When they vouch for you, it’s like skipping ahead in line, which can land you an interview much faster than the usual route.
Insider Tip
A recruiter’s endorsement can carry more weight than a resume submitted cold. Hiring managers trust that a recruiter has already pre-vetted you, giving you an edge over other applicants.
No cost to you
One of the best parts? Working with recruiters is completely free for you as the candidate. They are paid by the companies that hire them, not by the job seekers. You can leverage their expertise without worrying about any financial investment coming out of your pocket.
Don’t
Don’t fall for scams. If a recruiter ever asks you to pay for their services, it’s a red flag. Legitimate recruiters are always paid by the hiring company.
What this module covers
Understanding the process
In this lesson, I’ll walk you through partnering with third-party recruiters step-by-step. You’ll feel more prepared and empowered to make the most of these relationships and ultimately secure the best role for your career growth.
Establishing rapport and building relationships
I’ll share practical tips on how to build strong relationships with recruiters. You’ll learn how to reach out, what to say, and how to keep the lines of communication open so recruiters will think of you when new opportunities arise. We’ll talk about LinkedIn strategies, crafting effective emails, and staying on a recruiter’s radar without being overbearing.
Where to find the best recruiters
Not all recruiters are created equal. In this lesson, I’ll point you to trusted websites that list the top recruiting firms by industry and location.
Recruiters quiz
We will finish the module with a quiz on working with recruiters to confirm you’re ready to build productive, professional relationships as you pursue job opportunities.
Working with recruiters is a powerful addition to your job search strategy. Let’s get started learning how to leverage them.