Where do you start your job search?
Every day, I see the value that a recruitment agency brings to a candidate. The quality of these agencies varies quite a bit. So what exactly is the value that a recruitment agency brings? We’ll explain it to you.
What are your goals?
The first move is up to you. You determine the success of your job search. How clear is your vision of your career goals and the type of role and company you’re looking for? Try to be as specific as possible. We often see that candidates want to keep their options open. A recruiter can best help you if you’re willing to be specific. It makes sense; someone who remains vague is less likely to come to mind for a recruiter than someone who has indicated they’re looking for exactly the position that just opened up.
Also, think about what you expect from an agency and how much effort you’re willing to put into the partnership, so you can determine which agency is the right fit for you. Some agencies approach companies with your resume and require less commitment on your part. Other agencies take the opposite approach and work exclusively with the job openings they manage themselves.
This is also the approach we take at Velde: it allows us to gain a thorough understanding of both the company and the job opening. That means we expect a bit more input from you as a candidate. This helps us get to know you and understand what truly suits you. The result? A great match for both the candidate and the organization.
Which agency is right for you?
For me, there are a number of important factors. Based on these, I identify a set of core values that an agency must meet. To me, a good recruitment agency stays in touch with you and reaches out as soon as a relevant opening comes up. However, in practice, not every agency operates this way. In reality, it can sometimes be difficult to always put this puzzle together correctly. I used a short checklist to choose an agency.
— Guusje Peijnenburg
What do you expect from an agency?
- Should I be involved in the process or not?
- Should the initial interview be based on motivation or a checklist?
- Submit your resume to multiple places or follow a structured process?
- Should we be transparent about the client and our rapport with the company?
What's right for you?
A consultant can help you figure this out. It’s important to talk to someone who genuinely wants to get to know you and has your best interests at heart. You can often tell just by the way they approach you. A quick phone call to go through a resume checklist? No. Someone who takes the time for you.
At Velde, for example, we conduct many exploratory career discussions—even when we don’t have a suitable opening for you right away. If you’re looking for a headhunter or someone who just shuffles resumes, we’re not the right fit for you. We encourage you to reflect on your career goals. Because a consultant gets to know you really well, they can help you determine whether a particular job or company is truly the right fit for you. And maybe the consultant will even spot opportunities you hadn’t considered yourself!
Expertise
W&S agencies have extensive knowledge of the job market. They can therefore give you a good idea of what to expect when you apply for a job. Are you considering applying for a more demanding position, for example? Or do you want to work in a different industry? Consultants can advise you on the best way to go about it.
Or consider advice on a salary range that matches your experience. After all, recruitment consultants review dozens of resumes and LinkedIn profiles every day. They can offer you some helpful tips. For example, what else could you add to your resume to increase your chances of being invited for an interview with the client?
After reading this blog, are you curious to find out what the consultants at Velde see in your profile? Or would you like us to help you explore your career goals? If so, please fill out the contact form below!
Please contact Guusje
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