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Statistics show that 64% of executive positions (manager level and up) are sourced and filled through executive recruiters!
There are literally millions of recruiting firms — over four hundred thousand in the United States alone. Many successful recruiters have exclusive assignments with clients. Recruiters can present your qualifications for positions that will never make the want ads. They have the inside track. To gain an exclusive arrangement with a client, the recruiter is a trusted partner and maintaining that elite status is paramount in the mind of the recruiter.
In our networking we have associations with numerous recruiters and have gathered information you should know when working with recruiting professionals.
Whether contingent or retained, recruiters are generally paid a percentage of the first year salary for candidates successfully placed. Contingency recruiters may or may not work exclusively with a company and are paid only if they present a candidate who is actually hired. On retained assignments, these recruiters have sole responsibility for filling the open position and have been paid a percentage of the payout up front. When the candidate is successfully placed, the remainder is paid. Both are paid by the employer. Over the years, the difference between retained and contingency firms has lessened. When you come right down to it, it is in the best interest of either a contingent or retained recruiter to present the most qualified candidates to the employer.
On behalf of the client and the candidate, recruiters keep searches confidential until they are given permission to share information. Clients use confidentiality to search newly appointed positions, replace workers without alerting personnel and hire executives, not releasing the personnel change until they are ready to do so. And, candidates with full time jobs have been able to find their next opportunity while not alerting their current employer of their search until they give their notice. So, if a recruiter lets you know that they cannot disclose the employer until later, have the assurance that they are keeping a confidence at the request of their client.
When a recruiter calls you, talk to them immediately if you can. Since they are searching multiple positions, it is likely that they are calling many candidates that day. They are calling you because your resume is in front of them and you are top of mind for that moment. Keep positive and be respectful. Each conversation you have with a recruiter IS an interview. This person might just be the liaison to your next job. Make sure that you are taking notes on the position, travel expectations, relocation, title, job duties and salary. Obtain the recruiter's name, email address (check for spelling) and phone number. Most importantly, tell the truth. Your and the recruiter's reputations are built on telling the truth. And your story will be verified. Recruiters conduct thorough reference and background checks.
You may get a call from a recruiter for a position not meant for you. The recruiter may ask if you have colleagues meeting the criteria for the position. Be cooperative. Recruiters remember you if you help them out. Networking involves giving as well as taking. Who knows? This position may not be for you, but the next order may be just right.
Be aware that many recruitment firms receive hundreds of resumes a week. Most recruiters specialize in industries or positions — you should focus your search on those firms. Don't expect to get a great deal of attention unless there is a position open that fits your background. Searches can go on for a very long time or a few weeks. The pace is set by the clients and the recruiters have to be respectful of the client's timing. The relationship that you establish with a recruiter can last your entire career. You need them and they need you!
1StopResume.com utilizes several sources to bring you revolutionary and fundamental job search wisdom. While we would like to acknowledge individually those websites, books and articles, authors, and masters, this list would be extensive. We thank these sources for their contributions.