Do You Need a Recruiter to Get a Job?
Are recruiters necessary to secure a job with a company?
Have you ever wondered if you absolutely have to work with recruiters when job searching?
I love hearing the perspective of candidates and other career coaches and how they feel about the job process as a whole. It's always interesting to hear some of the feedback about what their thoughts are about the role of recruiters in the job search process.
I remember being on a career coaching panel and another coach said that they HATE recruiters. Now, being in the career community, this is not the first time that I have heard this. In fact, a lot of people would be surprised about my take on the relationship between recruiters and candidates.
Since I am both a recruiter and career coach, I have a unique perspective on each point that was raised. Here are some subjects that were raised during the panel and my REAL thoughts.
True or False? : A recruiter can be a barrier in the job searching process.
This is two fold. It is true, recruiters have to follow a process. They usually have a certain amount of calls they have to make and they are juggling a lot of balls at once which can lead to burnout. So I can be honest in saying that dealing with a recruiter can be less of an intimate candidate experience depending on your recruiter.
A good recruiter nurtures a candidate throughout the hiring process. Let's start with the notion that you don't need a recruiter: You will more than likely deal with a Recruiter or an HR Rep at some point of the process.
The truth is that companies need help with bringing on new talent. Even the best startup will most likely bring on some one or outsource to find talent - this means finding or sourcing, interviewing, making offers and onboarding which needs to be legally compliant.
At some point in your job searching process, you will encounter them, so I agree that they play a part in the hiring process. They can always let you know when there are other jobs that may come available
My verdict: It is always good to know a recruiter in whatever industry you work in. They can give you the lay of the land of the hiring trends and let you know about opportunities.
True or False?: Getting a referral is the easiest way to get a job.
I agree with this wholeheartedly! I would say that getting the RIGHT referral is the easiest way to get a job. The fact is, the candidates who know someone with a great rapport amongst management are the ones that get through the process quickly.
Jobseekers must know that even as a referral, you will have to go through some type of process i.e the company’s application, offer letter, etc
My verdict: Network! Network! Network! You never know who you might meet - you could make a great friend or a link to your next opportunity.
True or False?: Recruiters don't care about a candidate’s experience.
This will depend on the company and the recruiter. Depending on the company, they may have an applicant tracking system that will automatically disqualify you if you don't have keywords in your resume. A good recruiter puts the candidate's experience first.
For the Candidates: Find the recruiter of the company (or someone prominent in the department you are aiming for) and email them your CV (this is a key time to add your cover letter). This will for sure make you stand out against other candidates.
For the recruiters: Ask the candidate how their experience was, most likely they will be honest with you.
True or False?: The Recruiter does not make the final decision
In many ways this is true - the final say does usually rest with someone else, Especially if you are dealing with an internal recruiting and not a staffing agency- most likely you will be interviewing with someone else or at least given a yay or nay by someone else that is in authority in the department or company you are going applying for.
My verdict: Most times they don’t make the final decision, but let's not count out the role recruiters play in the process.
Final Thoughts:
Here's the thing, say you apply for a job you aren't good at and you just rely on connections at a specific company. If you are not selected for the job, your resume will mostly stay in the hands of that same person. Now a recruiter - a good one anyways, main concern is to ALWAYS have a candidate in mind for a role. Recruiters are constantly building their network full of professionals and new employers who may have a lead that could fit your expertise. This means that a good impression left on a great recruiter will keep you in mind for a future position that come across their desk.
All in all, when it comes to securing your next opportunity, your safest bet is to cover your bases. Get your resume in front of the key players and utilize the recruiter to as a resource throughout the process.
Conquering the Stages of Burnout
We work incredibly hard in our careers. We give time and dedication to our work and we love it, but sometimes the job does not love us back.
You know that feeling of impending doom and your heart racing while being exhausted, but you're freakishly awake? Yep, that's burnout.
Earlier in 2021, Forbes reported findings from a survey done by Development Dimensions International Inc. that found that nearly 60% of leaders reported they feel “used up” at the end of the workday, which is a major indicator of burnout.
Its no secret that burnout happens to be one of the main reasons why people leave jobs. You never think its going to happen when you first start a new role because things are so cheery and then you realized what you signed up for…
According to theburnoutqueen.com, There are 5 stages of burnout and trust me, you will feel the impact of every single one of them. The only way to navigate your way through burnout is to be armed with tools and resources for every stage.
Here are the stages:
The Honeymoon Phase
Onset of Stress
Chronic Stress
Burnout
Taking Action
Stage: Honeymoon
How to Conquer It: Keep everything in check
In the beginning, everything is new and shiny, you’re learning new things and so excited about your role, much like a relationship, this is the honeymoon stage. The only way to conquer this stage is to keep everything in perspective. Why did you take this job? Make a list of goals to achieve in your first 90 days.
PRO TIP: Use the SMART method to create your 90 day goals. Make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
Stage: Onset of Stress
How to Conquer It: Find an Outlet
This is the stage when the stress starts to hit and you start to lack focus. To conquer this stage make sure you are practicing self-care and find an outlet to channel your stress. Get back to the basics - drink your water, stay active, but also remember to do something you love.
Stage: Chronic Stress
How to Conquer It: Take a Vacation
If there was ever a time to use your vacation time, this is it. This stage is when you start to second guess your role, the company, sometimes your whole career. Do not go down this rabbit whole. You need to step away to refocus the big picture. Your job could very well be a toxic environment, but you need to gain perspective. Preferably with a cocktail...AND on a beach far, far away…
Stage: Burnout
How to Conquer It: Create a Life Outside of Work
Burnout is one of the worst feelings in the world. The very thing that once invigorated you now because something you loathe. So again, you need perspective. You need something that inspires you outside of the office that can keep you going. Family, friends and the life you create for yourself matters more than any job.
Stage: Taking Action
How to Conquer It: Tap into Your Resources
When you find yourself in a deep depression and sad more often than not, it is time to get help. If you find yourself lost and falling into depression due to burnout, I implore you to look into these options:
Get a therapist - Personally, I think a therapist is a great thing with or without burnout, but that is another conversation for a different day..
Look into your company’s EAP Program - if offered, this company offers great resources to navigate tough times at work
New Job - it may be that your are in a toxic workplace, a change of environment might be just what you need.
Career Change - If you’ve exhausted your love for your current industry, think about what other careers might bring you fulfillment.
Final Word:
We work incredibly hard in our careers. We give time and deviation to our work and we love it, but sometimes the job does not love us back. Just like any relationship, Tap back into your reason and your purpose. In fact, your job may have led you to your purpose, but when it becomes toxic, DO NOT be afraid to take a step back and take care of you.
