Finders; Keepers
Find a Recruiter in your Niche and Hang onto Them.
According to statistics, at least 80% of all jobs are never advertised. Ironically, those job openings exist in a mysterious no-man's land we in the placement industry call... the "Hidden Job Market". These
positions do not become part of the public domain because they are not
posted on company websites, job boards, trade publications or social
media venues.
Wondering how to tap into the "Hidden Job Market"? Networking with friends in your industry is one place to begin. However, by far, the most efficient and effective tool at your disposal is working with recruiters in your niche. Why? Because recruiters are constantly talking to their clients about anticipated resource needs and the type of candidate they would hire instantly if they happen to posses a unique, hard to find, combination of skills, experience and attitude.
To find a Recruiter in your niche
1. Ask co-workers, peers, and friends for names of recruiters they've worked with in the past. The better they know you and your industry, the more likely they're able to connect you to a good recruiter in your niche. Bonus: recruiters
know the best candidates are referred candidates. You will dramatically
increase your odds at gaining and retaining your recruiter's attention
if you are a referral.
2. Search locally. Use the Yellow Pages, Google search, etc. to find a recruiter that works your niche and in your geographical preference. Once
you find agencies within your desired location, call them directly and
ask the receptionist who specializes in your niche. Keep talking to
recruiters until you find one that knows the market and relates well
with you.
3. Try recruiter registries, recruiting networks and blogs. Recruiter
Registries such at Kennedy Information's "Directory of Executive
Recruiters"(recruiterredbook.com) lists recruiters by location and
niche. National recruiter networks such as Top Echelon
Network (topechelonnetwork.com) and Recruiting Network
(npaworldwide.com) can help you locate your recruiter. And,
of course, social media groups such as RecruitingBlogs.com
(recruitingblogs.com), LinkedIn Groups and Yahoo Groups are also good
resources.
Once
you find a recruiter in your niche, hang onto them as they are a
critical component to your over all Career Advancement Strategy.
