The Reality of Recruiting- How Big is Our Reach?
As much as we would like to represent you to all the manufacturers in a market, the truth is some employers prefer not to work with independent recruiters, because they have their own, in-house recruiting staff. There was a time when we could “cold call” a company and tell them we have a great candidate for their consideration, but changes in some employers policies have made this more difficult. No recruiter can deliver 100% coverage of all potential employers.
However, even many of those self-reliant employers use us when they want to find the very best candidates for specific positions, and when their in-house team is having trouble filling the position. If you want to work with recruiters that routinely fill the tough openings, Gary Richards Associates is your best choice.
Putting your resume everywhere is not the best option, either.
If you are going to go the recruiter route, try to pick one and stick with them, unless you feel they are not performing. If you spread your resume to five or six recruiters, you may risk being over-exposed. Recruiters talk to one another, and companies often tell us if they have received your information from multiple recruiters. When that happens, the chances that any one recruiter can successfully place you and be paid for their work are reduced, and as a result, their interest in making the investment to represent you is reduced as well.
The right way to give notice to your current employer.
A former employer will be more willing to provide a good reference for you, and leave every possible door open for future opportunities, if you don’t burn bridges. Here’s how you do it:
- Approach your supervisor in person, one-to-one. Be congenial. Provide logical reasons (as opposed to emotional ones) for your leaving, and be honest, but don’t say anything you’ll regret. Then follow up in writing, and add something pleasant, like “I’ve enjoyed working with you”.
Never give less than two weeks’ notice. However, be prepared. In some organizations, they may escort you out immediately, after a brief discussion in HR. Don’t be hurt, it happens.
Don’t gripe about or to your co-workers, or blame them for anything. Stay on friendly terms, before and after. You may be able to help them in the future, or they may be able to help you. People recommend people with whom they like to work. Make sure that person is you. - If you train your replacement, remember they may be excited about the opportunity. Give them some good notes to reference. Don’t grind your axe or discuss office politics. Let them know what other people on the team do, not your opinion of how well they do it. Let your replacement develop their own opinion.
- It’s OK to be excited, but don’t brag about your new job, or breach any confidences you may have held. Management won’t appreciate it, and colleagues may feel inadequate. No one likes feeling left behind.