If you’re currently seeking employment, you might be wondering how to find a recruiter and, with that, increase your chances of getting hired.
Looking for work can feel like climbing a mountain. It’s normal to worry that your application might get lost in the slew of other applications, considering the competition is as tough as it is.
But seeking out the help of a recruiter is a great way to make your application stand out from the crowd. Therefore, we recommend you read this article to know exactly how to find a recruiter.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re wondering how to find a recruiter, the best way is to use a combination of LinkedIn, job boards, personal connections, staffing firms, a robust web presence, and cold-calling companies.
- While recruiters are employed by the company, headhunters operate independently. People looking for work either go looking for them or are discovered by them. Managers in charge of hiring positions have the final say.
- Once you know how to find the right recruiter, it’s time to make contact and, just in case, follow up with emails.
Headhunter vs. Recruiter vs. Hiring Manager
A headhunter is a specialized recruiter who actively seeks out and presents only the best applicants to hiring managers.
They reach out to their contacts in an effort to locate interested applicants who have the necessary experience and qualifications for the position. Then they forward the applicant’s credentials to the hiring manager if they think the applicant would be a good fit for the organization.
Hiring managers are in charge of selecting candidates for available positions within an organization.
The final interview before making a hiring decision is often conducted by the hiring manager.
The recruiters also work within the organization and thus know all the ins and outs of the role they are trying to fill. Vacancies in different departments of a larger company may be handled by a number of different recruiters.
Recruiters collaborate with hiring managers to determine job qualifications, such as experience, certifications, and degrees. Rather than actively seeking out candidates, recruiters advertise open positions and then contact those who are most qualified.
Should You Find a Recruiter?
There are many advantages to finding a recruiter, and here are a few of the most important ones:
- Saving time. Recruiters are experts in identifying the types of people who will be a good fit for open opportunities. So, if you don’t have time to sift through postings to determine if any of them are a good fit, you can contact a recruiter directly instead.
- Simplifying the process. Recruiters are welcome to request interviewee feedback after the interview process. They can provide valuable insight into your strengths and areas for improvement as you navigate the job market.
- Gaining access to exclusive jobs. A company may have more openings beyond those advertised online. Recruiters have access to open vacancies and may be able to help fill additional roles. If you contact them, you might uncover opportunities that aren’t available to the general public.
- Entering the database. Recruiters may still ask for your information to add you to a candidate pool even if you don’t get the job. In case a position opens up that is a good fit for your experience and education, they will be able to reach you and check if you’re interested.
How to Find a Recruiter
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “How to find a recruiter to find me a job?” then the six tips below are exactly what you need!
#1. Browse on LinkedIn
Both job-seekers and employers can benefit greatly from using Linkedin. Numerous recruiters advertise openings on LinkedIn. So make sure to explore the site to seek out recruiters working in your preferred industry.
Once you’ve located some, you should invite them to connect and provide an overview of your situation along with the invitation. Once you’ve established contact, you can learn more about the recruiter’s services from a trusted source: a mutual connection.
You can also research open positions on LinkedIn that fit your interests. You can then gauge the dependability of the recruiters advertising these positions by looking at their length of service within a given organization.
#2. Browse Through Job Boards
Recruiters advertise available openings on job boards, which are specialized websites. Using a job board facilitates communication between recruiters and job seekers.
Among the many job postings produced by recruiters, there is bound to be at least one that catches your attention.
Using job boards can help you save time because they include search parameters that let you focus on positions in your desired industry and connect with the recruiters for those positions directly.
#3. Utilize Your Network
The job search is just one of several situations in which networking might prove useful.
If you have built up a network of contacts in several industries over the years, why not tap into that resource? There is a good chance that you already know people who are working in or have worked in your desired sector.
If that’s the case, you may utilize their expertise not only for advice on how to advance your career but also for leads on recruiters they might know.
#4. Find Staffing Agencies
If you are still thinking about how to find a recruiter for a job, one of the best places to start is at a staffing agency.
Staffing services function as a go-between for job seekers and companies trying to fill open positions. Therefore, a staffing agency is a great resource to tap into when looking for work.
Be honest about the position you’re seeking, as well as your desired wage range, working hours, office setting, and other preferences. If you give them precise details, they will be better able to match you with suitable recruiters and jobs.
#5. Have Online Presence
Having a solid online presence is crucial to making your candidacy known.
This way, people in your surroundings may inform you of available openings, suggest recruiters you should speak with, or even connect you with a recruiter who has discovered your resume.
You have nothing to lose, after all. Your job-finding prospects will only improve.
You can boost your internet visibility by making profiles on sites frequented by recruiters. One excellent website for this purpose is LinkedIn. You should also post your resume on Linkedin and similar platforms for any potential employers to find.
#6. Reach out to Companies
You can make an effort to contact a specific company if you have one in mind. You can get in touch with the company’s HR manager and ask them to connect you with the recruiter that way.
If a corporation has contracted with an outside firm to source potential employees, you can request the name and contact information of such a firm.
Even if they don’t disclose this information to you, they may still add you to their database for future employment purposes if you exhibit interest in working for the company.
Websites to Use to Find a Recruiter
If you’re still wondering how to find a recruiter, one of the best places to do that is on websites where recruiters post job advertisements.
Here are a few that you may want to consider:
#1. LinkedIn
When it comes to online professional networks, LinkedIn is by far the most popular option. You can use the site to post job openings, look for work that suits you, network with other experts in your field, and essentially boast about your achievements.
If you’re wondering how to find a recruiter on LinkedIn, in most cases, it’s actually a breeze. Your starting point should be to find the best companies in your desired industry. Then, look for the recruiters in the “People” section of the company’s LinkedIn profile.
Once you’ve done that, you can connect with them and ask for assistance. You might also try calling or emailing them if you have their contact information.
#2. ZipRecruiter
In the United States, businesses can use ZipRecruiter, an online marketplace, to discover suitable job seekers and connect with them.
There are more than a million openings at any given time, making this a highly valuable tool.
The platform comes equipped with a number of useful tools as well.
Along with a collection of over 500 pre-made job description templates, the website offers TrafficBoost, a tool that helps businesses efficiently fill available positions. Businesses actively post open positions on the website, which then sends email and mobile notifications to users when suitable positions become available.
Visitors to the site can use a built-in job search tool to look for available positions in their area. A candidate will be notified as soon as their application has been reviewed.
#3. Indeed
Indeed is a website that first went live in the United States in 2004. It is currently the most popular employment board in the world. There are more than 300 million unique monthly visitors to this global employment marketplace.
The site’s primary function is to serve as a meeting ground for employers and prospective employees.
If you’re wondering, “How do I search for a job on Indeed?” the first step is to sign up for an account. Once you do that, you’ll have access to the full suite of profile editing tools, including the ability to upload your resume, specify your ideal work location, and more.
After that, you can begin searching for available positions online. You may specify the position’s title and location and, in this manner, easily go through the jobs listed.
#4. CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder was launched in 1995 as a platform to help people find jobs. It is currently available in Canada, the United States, and a few other countries within Europe and Asia.
After signing up for CareerBuilder, you’ll have access to the platform’s full suite of features. The search for a new job is probably at the top of your to-do list right now. So, you can start by finding openings on their site.
The website’s strength is in the database of resumes it provides, which is populated by experts in the field. A sophisticated AI engine also reviews the candidates’ social media profiles and makes recommendations for open vacancies.
So, if you have the necessary experience and credentials, your application won’t go unnoticed.
How to Get Recruiter’s Contact Information
Once you have an idea of where or how to find a recruiter, the next step is to get their contact details.
You can do so in a few different ways:
- Do a social media search. Finding recruiters using social media is the first step. Recruiters’ contact details (email, phone number, or both) will be readily available on formal networks like LinkedIn and sometimes even informal ones like Facebook.
- Utilize your network. With this information, you can get in touch with your network. Chances are someone you know will know the recruiters and either have their contact information or find someone who does.
- Contact HR representatives. Last but not least, you can get in touch with HR and ask for the recruiters’ information. If you have your sights set on a specific organization and know they employ recruiters to fill open positions, this strategy just might work for you.
How to Find the Right Recruiter
Take into account the following suggestions if you want to know how to find a recruiter:
- Seek out suggestions. You can find reputable recruiters to speak with by conducting an online search and/or asking friends and family for recommendations. Find the best ones by doing a little research and asking around for recommendations.
- Check for testimonials. Find people who have worked with the recruiter you’re thinking of working with and ask them the following questions:
- How helpful was the recruiter?
- Did they provide you with any kind of feedback?
- Were they open to putting you in touch with the employer?
- Consider their level of success. The recruiter’s track record is indicative of whether or not they are reliable and trustworthy. If a recruiter has a high success rate, that means both their candidates and clients are happy with the results of their work together.
How to Communicate With a Recruiter +Examples
Once you have learned where and how to find a recruiter, you may want to think about making contact with one.
But before reaching out to a recruiter at a specific company, do some research on that company in order to familiarize yourself with its mission, beliefs, and hiring practices. In this manner, you’ll be able to ask the recruiter pertinent questions.
Make sure to convey just the right amount of passion for the role. Don’t get too giddy or too blasé. Strive for balance.
With these pointers in mind, let’s examine three common methods of contacting the recruiter.
Message Recruiter on LinkedIn
Taking advantage of LinkedIn’s network of users can help you get ahead in your professional life. To increase the likelihood that a recruiter will accept your LinkedIn invitation, you should send them a personalized note.
The following is an example of a possible note:
Dear [recruiter’s name]
Hello, my name is [your name], and I am writing to inquire about the position you have advertised at [company name]. This opportunity is a perfect fit for my background and experience, so I wanted to contact you and introduce myself.
I would appreciate the opportunity to chat with you further to discuss my experience and learn about the profile of the company’s ideal candidate for this role. Do you happen to have time to talk next week? I am available at any time and am happy to accommodate your schedule.
I appreciate your time and thought in advance.
Email Recruiter
You can contact the recruiter via email if you have their address.
This is the sort of thing your email could contain:
Dear [recruiter’s name]
This letter is in response to your posting for a [position name] at [company name]. After reading up on the company’s operations, I am positive that I am ready to take on the responsibilities of [role title] because of my prior work experience.
You can find my resume attached. Can we perhaps talk about the position over the phone next week? You can contact me using the number listed below.
I appreciate your time and look forward to chatting with you about this employment opportunity, should you give me a chance to do so.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[your number]
Questions to Ask a Recruiter
If you do manage to get in touch with them, whether via phone, email, or even LinkedIn, you’ll want to be prepared and have the right kinds of questions ready.
A few examples are listed below.
- Tell me about the core beliefs of your organization.
- How would you describe the ideal candidate in terms of their character and skills?
- What does a normal day in this position look like?
- How would you describe the most rewarding aspect of your job here?
- How do you see one’s career progressing if one takes on this position?
- What are the most difficult aspects of this position?
- Is there anything in my application that gives you cause for concern about my ability to do the job?
How to Follow up With a Recruiter
You should follow up with a recruiter if you’ve applied for a job and haven’t heard back or if they promised to contact you but haven’t yet.
Be as kind and optimistic as possible if you do. The last thing you should do is be antagonistic or show you’re disappointed by the recruiter’s lack of communication. They were perhaps too busy to respond, or your message was buried under a pile of others.
Include a note about your availability. The more flexibility you can offer, the more likely they are to respond at a time that works for them.
Let’s check out some examples of follow-up emails.
Follow up With a Recruiter: Email Sample 1
Dear [recruiter’s Name],
My name is [your name], and I am writing to express my interest in the position of [the company’s position]. I wanted to touch base with you to express my continued interest in this position and inquire about your time spent working for the company.
I was hoping we might have a quick conversation next week to talk about your background and the unique abilities needed to succeed at your company.
Since I can adjust my schedule to suit your needs, we can talk whenever it is convenient for you. If you’re available to talk at any point during the next week, please let me know.
As always, I appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Follow up With a Recruiter: Email Sample 2
Dear [recruiter’s Name],
I’m [your name], and I’m writing to introduce myself after having met you at the [name of career fair] recently. It was great talking to you about the openings at your company, and I look forward to further conversations on the subject.
Because of my education, job history, and character, I believe I am a standout candidate, and I would be honored to work for the company.
Please let me know whether you will be available to talk on the phone at any point during the next week.
Sincerely,
Your Name
How Does Headhunting Work?
Headhunters can either be self-employed or employed by staffing agencies. Headhunters are frequently hired to locate people for high-level positions, which require extensive knowledge and effort on their part.
The work of a headhunter typically consists of the following steps:
- Review the position. It is important for recruiters to have a firm grasp on the duties and responsibilities of the job they are trying to fill. They need to understand the ins and outs of the contracts as well as the company’s culture.
- Discover prospective employees. They review applications and shortlist those they believe would be good fits for the position.
- Outreach. Candidates are contacted to determine if they have an interest in the position.
- Client shortlist. After conducting interviews and checking references, they will narrow the pool of candidates down to a select few and present that group to the client.
Final Thoughts
By this point, you should understand how to find a recruiter much better and be more confident in your abilities to do that.
With the help of the recruiter, you can improve your chances of getting hired for your dream job or gain access to more niche employment opportunities and candidate databases.
Just make good use of the advice in this article, and we wish you good luck in your job search!
