If you deal with multiple recruiting companies, work with some that specialize in your industry. For example if you have a background in food there are recruiters that specialize in the food industry. If you have a logistics background, find one that specializes in logistics. At the same time, use a few general or regional headhunters.
Recruiters are ways of advertising. The more advertising you do, the more people will see you, which drastically improves your chances of getting hired.
Applying for jobs
My suggestion is if you are going to apply for a job, do not do it through the career web sites. The two best ways to apply for positions are:
- Directly with the company
- Through your recruiter
There is a lot of red tape in the application process. If you apply through a web site, there is no telling how long the application and resume will sit in cyber space. From there it usually goes to some general contact in Human Resources. That person then has to cipher through the resumes, sort them and then forward them to the appropriate hiring manager. Some times they will perform a basic background check even before they send it to the hiring manager, which delays the process even more. By the time the hiring manager gets it, actually reads it and then decides whether or not to make the call it could be weeks later.
By applying directly to the company you are cutting out one middleman in the career web site. You are also decreasing the chances the application will get caught in cyber space.
By talking to your recruiter you are covering your bases because they may already have a relationship with the company. Even if they don't they can make the initial call for you and try to market you. If the company does not deal with recruiters, then your personal recruiter should tell you, so you can apply directly on your own. They may even be able to get you a contact name.
Follow-up
You need to check your web sites almost every day. The market changes constantly. It only takes a few minutes to do a search or look at the jobs that are recommended for you.
Stay in touch with your recruiters by being patient but persistent. If you do not express some sort of urgency they may not push for you. However, you must be courteous and professional at all times. Discuss why opportunities are not coming your way. Ask specifically what companies they have contacted and what went wrong. Find ways to broaden your marketability. Make sure you do not price yourself out of the market.
Send follow-up notes to every company that you apply for. Make sure they received your application and resume. Try to find out who the hiring manager is. If you do, then try to send a resume directly to them.
Conclusions
- Solid professional resume and list of references
- Network; it's all in who you know
- Use the career web sites wisely, but definitely utilize them
- Get several recruiters to go to work for you
- Apply for jobs either directly with the company or through the recruiter
- Follow-up
