Just how easy it is to find the ideal job these days? While you can easily go down the rabbit hole searching for new postings on Google, I would argue that finding a job is now harder than ever. With so many different job sites out there, and a large chunk of them all filled with the same job listings from the same companies, if you have a specialism or niche industry you work in, how do you make sure you can find roles that truly fit your needs?
Well, you look to help from specialist recruiters. Some people tend to feel as though they’ll be “locked-in” if they even think of leaving their details with a recruiter, but there are advantages to using specialist recruiters that you just don’t get with the big-name recruitment companies. Let’s look at why it’s in your best interest, and what you can do when getting in touch with a recruitment agency.
Specialists offer industry insight
I like to think of specialist recruiters with a rather simple analogy. If you were to walk into a supermarket and ask a staff member about the carrots, they’d be able to tell you where they’re located and how much they cost. If you were to walk into a greengrocer’s and ask them about the carrots, they’d probably be able to tell you where they are located, how much they cost, how long they’ve been there, where they sourced them from, and what they go best with for your dinner.
Knowing all the minutiae will play to your advantage when talking to specialist recruiters. Even though they won’t have the same skills and qualifications as you, they’ll know what the job market is like and what certain employers are looking for.
Specialists usually have direct connections
The job hunt within any niche is a two-way street. When a company has a position they need filling and only a limited number of names or no one out there to choose from, they’ll go to specialist recruiters too—a quick win-win for all involved.
Specialists will want to interview you
Job interviews, no matter what anyone says, always carry a degree of stress or nervousness, especially if a candidate feels they’re walking in blind. With specialist recruiters typically liaising with clients, and having experience helping fill roles, look for ones which offer interview training.
Such training will tend to see the candidate get advice from an interview expert in the niche, before conducting mock interviews, providing feedback that can be the difference between getting the job and an interview tanking quickly.
Specialists help secure better salaries
You know when you get to the end of an interview, and you’re asked if you have any questions? One of the most common, almost instinctive, responses is to talk about wages and salary. That’s something you want to avoid, especially if a recruiter will push for the best pay possible on your behalf. As they’re getting paid based off successful matches, they’ll always want the best deal possible.
Specialists can help with really big moves
Let’s say you’ve found your dream job, but it is in another country a few thousand miles away. You wouldn’t want the hassle of trying to move, right? Again, it doesn’t have to be a hassle if you let the specialists take over. Look for recruiters who help with relocation services or can at least match you with partner companies who can look after visas and work permits.
For example, a doctor in the UK looking to move to Canada can have to get their visas sorted out ahead of time, as well as do things you’d never even think about like moving bank accounts. (coincidentally, if you are based in medicine and looking for careers abroad, I recommend visiting Odyssey Recruitment).
Don’t forget; they save time!
One last tip. If you can’t stand having to trawl through hundreds of job listings looking for that preferred role, don’t! Sign up with a recruitment company that will do it for you and only ever show jobs that fit your skillset.
Remember, the search for a new job doesn’t have to feel like work, so always get help if you’re struggling to find a role which matches your skills and needs.
