Is it who you know?

Is finding a great job really a matter of who you know? Certainly, it always helps to have a connection or an advocate on the inside. One of the most compelling reasons that “who you know” is so valuable is that many jobs never make it onto the job boards. Often times a vacancy prompts employees to think about whom they know that could fill the role. Human resource departments and managers want qualified candidates and don’t want the task of sorting resumes. More often than not, a few resumes from trusted sources, are what companies prefer, which is why companies like to have relationships with reputable recruiters.

Both the company’s employees and recruiters will be the first to know about openings and unadvertised positions. An employee recommendation is good, but the company knows that a good recruiter will pre-qualify candidates for their experience, expertise, personality and fit for the position and the company culture.

The benefit to the candidate is that a recruiter has the overview of the company and position as a fellow employee may not. This overview would include compensation and perks of the position. In addition, an industry-specific recruiter, as for actuaries, offers mentoring and career path counseling. A recruiter who takes time to know and personally interview candidates is able to present their skills and strengths beyond what can be presented on a resume.

               

Some candidates mistakenly think that if an employer has to pay a recruiting fee, it will reduce the compensation package. In reality, the opposite is more often true.

Good relationships can definitely be worth their weight in gold. It’s smart to cultivate authentic relationships in your field with your counterparts and with a reputable recruiter. When the time comes to start a search you will have the inside track and an advocate in your corner.