5 Reasons You Should Always Speak to a Veteran Recruiter

As recruiters contacting potential candidates, we are met with a vast array of responses that range from genuine curiosity to a curt brush-off. It is understandable that not everyone is actively looking for a job, or a career change. However, any experienced recruiter will tell you that the best time to conduct a job search is when you are happily employed. Candidates who wait to start a job search until they are unemployed relinquish valuable negotiating power in the job market. Those who are gainfully employed but looking to make a change experience an average of 8-10% increase in salary when they transition to a new position.

For our purposes here, you should think of your career path as a bridge and then ask yourself: Am I a Bridge Builder? Here are some reasons why talking to a trusted recruiter, even if you’re not in the market, can be constructive. (Pun intended.)

Yes, it’s a Cliché, but Don’t Burn Bridges

It’s important to remember, professionally and personally, that it is often who you know, and not what you know that gets your foot in the door with a new organization. Arguably, it’s really who knows you! A LinkedIn survey reveals that 85% of jobs were filled using personal connections. An experienced recruiter wants to know about you and your career goals. Taking the time to give them this information can open countless doors for you in the future.

All Bridges Need Periodic Maintenance

Staying in one positon creates stagnation, which in certain industries, like technology for example, can be detrimental to a jobseeker’s future mobility and growth. According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, the average worker will hold 10 different jobs before the age of 40. A certain amount of mobility in the job market is expected, and even preferred in some cases. The transition to a new job is widely regarded as one of the most stressful life events a person can encounter. Having an experienced recruiter in your corner that is focused on mentorship and guidance can help ease some of that burden.

All Bridges Lead Somewhere

If you receive a call from a reputable recruiter, it often means they’ve done their homework on the position, and on you, and feel that there is a good fit.  Take the time to hear his or her thoughts, and you may find that they’ve made an ideal career connection. Worst case, you may be enlightened as to some skills or qualities that lie within your resume that you may have underestimated. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nearly 3.1 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs in December of 2016. Sometimes the grass really IS greener on the other side, and a skilled recruiter can be the catalyst to discovering those greener pastures.

Building Blocks are Essential

Whether you are happy where you are, or a particular positon just doesn’t peak your interests, there is nothing in the rules that says that you can’t meet with a recruiter just to keep your interview, communication and listening skills sharp. As long as you’re honest and upfront in your intentions, a good recruiter will want to speak with you anyway, and you’ll get some good practice out of it. According to The Muse, even an interview you’re not terribly excited about could gain you some fantastic insider knowledge about a company, or some solid interview skills you may not have used in the past.

Help a Friend Across

Now may not be the right time for you. This may not be the right position for you. Consider any friends or co-workers that might be a good fit. According to a LinkedIn Talent Blog, an employee that is hired at a company based on a referral will have a longer tenure and a shorter onboarding time. This benefits not only your friend, but the company as well, which reflects positively on you.

As a staffing industry leader, Bradley Staffing Group has earned a reputation as an ethical and credible firm. Many of the people who we have placed over the past year weren’t actively looking when we called them.  A great recruiter can be your eyes and ears in the market when you are focused on doing your job well and building your resume. We help candidates build the bridges that lead to dream jobs.

Bradley Staffing Group is a full-service staffing firm based in Wayne, PA. We are committed to matching A-level talent with best-in-class businesses. Our knowledgeable and well-trained staff brings a combined 70+ years of staffing experience to our clients and candidates alike. http://useful-sock.flywheelsites.com/contact-us/