Growing up, people around you always stress the importance of going to school and getting good grades so you can get a good job. As you progress through school (college or even graduate school) and get closer to the “real world,” the anxiety surrounding the job search slowly starts to creep in. Finding that coveted first job doesn’t need to be such an arduous process! Thanks to the efforts of recruiters, finding a job, whether it is your first or just a change of scenery, can be made easier.
Working with a recruiter can be intimidating for both rookie and job veteran job seekers alike. Although there are a variety of resources available, there remains a lot of unknowns about the process. At NexGoal, we specialize in placing former athletes and job seekers with the athlete mindset in new careers nationwide. Our recruiting team works tirelessly to take the stress out of the job search and help you find your first or next job.
We asked our recruiting team for some advice they would give to job seekers of all experience levels and how they can aid your job search. Here are some of their responses:
“One misconception I come across is candidates think they have to pay to work with a recruiter. That is not the case with NexGoal.”
“Recruiters take the stress of job searches off recent grads by matching them up with interested clients and making sure we help them through the steps of the interview process.”
“Some companies only use recruiters for filling open positions, which means candidates wouldn’t even know the position exists without working with the recruiter.”
“We help them [job seekers] gain confidence in interviewing and make them fully aware of employer expectations.”
“Recruiters can provide valuable information about the company including interview prep, company background, etc.”
“We are another resource to get job seekers the best chance at receiving a job offer as soon as possible.”
Our recruiting team is not alone in recognizing the benefits of working with a recruiter. In an article for TheMuse, Erin Doyon, a Talent Acquisition Consultant at Philips, shared some ways to leverage a relationship with a recruiter when trying to land your first job.
Optimize Your Resume And Cover Letter
Your first impression to employers comes in the form of your resume, so it is crucial to make sure that it stands out in a positive way. Many employers use an applicant tracking system to weed out job seekers that fit their mold. An ATS identifies candidates whose resumes fall into certain parameters, often using keywords that they are looking for. A recruiter can help you tailor your resume to best stand out to employers. If you want a head start on this process, Doyon recommends using a tool like Jobscan to optimize your resume and cover letter with the right keywords based on the job description you’re applying for. When tailoring your resume, make sure you include these five essentials but eliminate these overused phrases!
Communicate Your Interests And Goals
What is it that you want to accomplish in your career? What kind of jobs are you looking for in order to meet that expectation? It is important to ask yourself these questions prior to not only applying to jobs but also working with a recruiter. If you can’t figure out what you want to do, chances are a recruiter won’t be able to help you.
One way you can get an idea of what you want to do is through informational interviews. Not only can these help you figure out your career goals, but informational interviews are also a great way to build your network. In doing so, a recruiter can essentially play “matchmaker” for you and connect you to people in your industry of choice.
Make It Easy For Recruiters To Advocate For You
A recruiter’s job is to essentially sell the best, most qualified candidates to various hiring managers. To help them do their job correctly, help them help you. In your discussions with a recruiter, be forthcoming and honest with information. If you aren’t interested in a certain job, tell them as such. Ghosting is becoming more and more popular in the hiring process and is one of the top frustrations for recruiters and human resources professionals alike.
The more information you give a recruiter, the easier it is for them to advocate for you throughout the hiring process. Doyon recommends “humble assertiveness,” and says, “Be willing to do anything, especially because the stereotype of the millennial is that they’re too good for some entry-level jobs. This dream job you want comes from dedication and enthusiasm. If you really want a job, express that to a recruiter. On the other end of the coin, if you aren’t interested in the opportunity, you should express that as well. This is information the recruiter needs to know in order to best portray you to the employer.
One of the easiest ways to stand out to both employers and recruiters is to be diligent in your follow-ups after a conversation. Chances are most people don’t think to follow up with a recruiter, but are more focused on impressing the employer with a follow up. In doing so with a recruiter, you are continuing to make it easier for them to advocate on your behalf.
Wrap Up
Recruiters can take a lot of the stress and anxiety out of your job search, but it all starts with being open and accepting of their help. There are things you can do to make their job easier, which in turn, will also improve your chances of landing a job. If you’re a recent college grad looking for your first job and haven’t considered enlisting a recruiter’s help, now you know some things to consider when creating a relationship with one!
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