From the course: A Career Strategist's Guide to Getting a Job

How to attract or find the right recruiters

From the course: A Career Strategist's Guide to Getting a Job

How to attract or find the right recruiters

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- The ability to efficiently apply for jobs you find posted online is important. But I'm going to tell you something you probably already know. If that's the only method you're using for job search, you might be in for the long haul. So instead of relying on a process that pits you against a bunch of other blind applicants, consider weaving in some more proactive tactics. For instance, you could enlist the support of agency recruiters who work in your industry. And yes, you'll want to optimize your LinkedIn profile so that the right recruiters come and find you. And be sure and turn on the LinkedIn notification that alerts them that you're open to being contacted. You'll find this by clicking the Jobs tab, clicking Career Interests, and then activating the show recruiters you're open to being contacted feature. But you don't have to wait around to be discovered, you can reach out directly to them. Now, this technique is going to work best if you do a little bit of homework first. You don't want to reach out to recruiters who don't fill the kinds of jobs that you're lookin' for. That can become discouraging fast because they might not respond to you and then you'll be all like, "Oh, Jenny, I already tried that and it doesn't work." Well it does work but do your research, ask people who work in similar roles if they used a recruiter and who they might recommend. Observe job ads that you see posted online by recruiting agencies. If that agency posts one job related to your field, they very well may specialize in that industry. You might also contact the local chapter of your professional association. They will very likely be aware of the best recruiters in your field. And if all else fails, use the all mighty Google. You'll find a few agencies that might be a good fit. You can start with search terms like IT recruiters Portland or executive search firms in Dallas. Now assemble your short list and then call them. You can literally just call the main number if you don't have a contact. You're not asking or pleading with them to take you on or do you some big favor. If you found a recruiter who's always on the lookout for great people in your field, you're actually taking one step out of their job for them. They don't have to come and find you, you just arrived on their doorstep. And while, not every recruiter is going to be your ace in the hole, great recruiters can open up a lot of doors for you and be a super beneficial add on to your overall job search.

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