Hint: It Involves Working with a Reputable Recruiting Firm
If you’re in the midst of a job search—or even considering one—you know that we are currently experiencing a changing job market. This evolution isn’t necessarily anything new. From a historical standpoint, the job market ebbs and flows between having an abundance of open jobs to an abundance of job seekers.
A recent LinkedIn report shows that U.S. hiring remains down, to the tune of 28.3% year-over-year. In fact, 19 of 20 industries decreased their hiring practices from July to August 2023. This is forcing job seekers to work harder to find attainable open positions and get hired for them. And with an average time to hire of 41 days, job seekers are feeling the impacts of the changing job market.
Fortunately, there is help available for job seekers. Many have discovered that having a recruiter on your side can be the secret weapon you need to get a leg up on the competition. While working with a recruiting firm cannot guarantee that you will be hired, it absolutely gives you a better chance than going it alone.
How Working with a Recruiter Can Benefit Job Seekers
Experienced recruiters are job market experts. They are dialed in not only to what specific clients require for their open positions but also to the market as a whole. Sure, entry level job seekers and candidates who haven’t changed jobs in a while can benefit from a recruiter’s guidance. But even a veteran who has interviewed often can use some insider help.
Your Coach for Navigating a Changing Job Market
Recruiters are in constant contact with a variety of employers looking to fill positions in all kinds of fields. Their continuous exposure to the interview process and access to client feedback allows them an exclusive look at best practices for job seekers. Think of a recruiter as a job search coach; it’s in their best interest for you to succeed and land the job for which they recommend you.
That’s not to say that recruiters only care about the bottom line! It takes a certain kind of person to become a recruiter. They are empathetic and genuinely interested in helping you find the best possible job for your skills and personality. A recruiter will work to match you with an opportunity that appeals to your prior experience, technical skills, company culture, and environment that you work in best.
Preparing You to Be Your Best
Because they are your coach, recruiters do more than simply find you a job. They will help you polish your resume so that it is accurate and easy for an interviewer to scan. Recruiters prepare you for interviews, often through practicing together and coaching your responses. They will also be honest about your skills and (gently) make recommendations for improvement.
An underlying benefit to working with a recruiter is the self-confidence that it builds. Your recruiter is not only your coach, but also your cheerleader. They will pump you up and get you excited to show off all the things that make you a great hire.
Giving You Access to Hidden Opportunities
If we’re comparing the changing job market to a secret race that only those “in the know” will be invited to, then your recruiter is your entry ticket. Many companies hire recruiting firms behind the scenes, allowing them to recruit candidates for opportunities that aren’t publicly listed. This access is a huge benefit to a job seeker!
Consider that only 80% of jobs are listed online. Then add the fact that each online job posting receives an average of 250 applicants. If you’re in a secret race that most people don’t know about, you’ll have less competition—and a better chance of winning.
Choose the Right Recruiting Firm
In today’s changing job market, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Employment Enterprises is here to support you, offering guidance, resources, and expertise to help you secure your next job. Whether you’re in a highly competitive field, seeking a flexible work environment, or looking for someone to vet your skills, we will help you make the most of your job search.
So what are you waiting for? Contact our recruiting team or browse currently available positions. Even if you don’t see a job match right now, your recruiter will be able to watch for opportunities for you as new jobs come in. Together, we can navigate this changing job market and identify the next step in your career.