In most other areas of our lives, we plan for any major changes. So why is consulting a recruiter so different?
Why should you get to know a recruiter?
Sometimes, when you stand back and really think about something, it stops making sense. For example, isn’t it strange that most people only go to a recruitment specialist when they need a job?
Perhaps it is down to what psychologists call ‘the status quo bias’, but changing jobs is something we invariably rush at the last minute. We don’t do this in other areas of our lives. We go to the doctors for a check-up to avoid being ill. We service our cars to avoid them breaking down. We see our pension providers to be ready for retirement, and we see a mortgage adviser when we are only even thinking about moving house.
For some reason, though, we only ever think to go to a recruiter when we are already in real need of a new job.
Why see a recruiter when you don’t need a job?
When you look at the list in the first paragraph and consider the reason why we do those things, it comes down to avoiding a problem later on. You could, for example, wait until your car breaks down before you see a mechanic, but you have it serviced to reduce the chances of being sat at the side of the road in a cloud of steam. Similarly, to buy a house, you need an offer in principle, so you see a mortgage advisor before you make any offers for your new home. The same principle can be applied to a recruitment advisor.
As we head into what may be a recession and following the turmoil of the last two years, I think we are all aware of the possibility of change. So, ask yourself this question. Are you 100% sure you will not need a new job at some point? If you answered yes, and you were totally sure, then you are in a rare and exceptional position or some very specific circumstances.
There are several advantages to knowing a good recruitment specialist even if you are currently working.
- It prepares you if you need to move jobs and is only a small investment of time. When I say get to know a recruiter, I am not suggesting you need to commit to hours of appointments. Just build a relationship, so you have someone who you trust to turn to if you need them. Recruitment as an occupation exists because the professionals in it know what they are doing, and their job is to do the right thing for you when you need them. It seems only sensible to have that ready.
- They will keep you in the game even if you are not playing. What I mean here is that you will be kept up to date with important information and opportunities within your employment area. You don’t need to take action or apply for anything, but at least you will always know your options.
- It will keep you up to date on important career knowledge such as market salaries, benefits packages and so on.
- It is a line of support for when you do decide to move on. Although you may not be ready to move yet, your recruitment partner will be able to help you update your CV, understand the changing job market, know where to look when you are ready to move and help you with advice and guidance.
- They will reduce the panic and shorten the time scales when you do need to move on. If something happens and you do suddenly need to look for a new position, a recruiter who knows you and what you do will swing into action and start setting things up immediately. That is going to be a lot of stress and worry off your mind.
- You may not know that you were ready to move until you get the right offer. The fact is that your career and your future could really take off when the perfect job passes over the recruiter’s desk and they contact you. That email you receive because your recruiter thought of you for the perfect opportunity could be the thing that changes your life forever. Or… you could miss it when it comes along.
It seems sensible to take the opportunity to have a recruiter by your side who knows you and your ambitions in case you suddenly need them. Not forgetting that they will also be working to find you the best possible career in the meantime.
Contact us. Let’s get to know you so we can be there when you need us and maybe before.