There are many benefits to having someone help you with your job search, such as assisting you in finding the right opportunities, connecting you with thought leaders, and pointing you the right direction. However, with the advent of advanced technology, the power has now been put in the job seeker’s hands. Today, the real question comes is this: can you be your own recruiter?
It may seem like a daunting endeavor. After all, in recent years recruiters have helped both the job seeker and the employer with their end goal—filling an open position. However, there’s one thing a recruiter can’t do for you, no matter how hard they try – they can’t fully know your background, goals, aspirations or five-year plan as well as you do. Sure, they may skim the surface, but when it comes down to it, you are essentially your own recruiter. That is, no one knows you better than yourself.
How can you be your own recruiter and set yourself up for success, particularly if you have hit a job search brick wall? Here a couple suggestions:
Imitate what good recruiters do. Good recruiters have the right contacts, the right background, and sometimes even the right jobs. How can you get on their level? Imitating what they do well. Network directly with employers, search by company and occupational categories, set up Google Alerts to your favorite jobs, and even interact with top employers through social networking.
If you are going to be your own recruiter, it’s a good idea to map out what you want to do and where you want to be professionally. Resources like My Next Move can assist you to not only become your own recruiter, but also in directing your job search.
Use job search resources. Twitter, EmploymentPipeline.com, LinkedIn, Bureau of Labor Statistics, etc. are all fantastic resources for any job seeker. You get to promote your job search and connect with top companies, bridging the gap between candidates and employers. By closing the space between the recruiter (a.k.a you) and the company or occupation of your dreams, you simplify the job search, avoid getting lost in a stack of resumes, and steer clear of the headache the job hunt can bring.
Bottom line: these job search resources are there to help you find the right opportunities in the easiest possible way. Use them as much as you can.
Stay active. No matter how many hurdles you have to cross, it’s important for any job seeker, as well as any recruiter, to stay as active as possible. This means constantly using your social networks, keeping your resume and LinkedIn profile updated, following up your prospects, and just keeping your head above water. When it comes down to it, the more active you are, the better the recruiting process will be, which is the whole point when you take control of your own job search.
Are you your own recruiter? How do you achieve job search success?
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