This is a question many people ask when considering a career move. There are several benefits for using a specialist recruiter, such as ourselves, to assist in your search, and here are a few of them.
Relationships in the industry
One of the main benefits of using a specialist in your sector, is that typically the recruiter will have strong relationships, and insights, into many of the suitable employers in your area. In our sectors, it is very common for businesses to be open minded to hiring people with certain skillsets, even if they don’t have roles open or advertised. A specialist recruiter with that kind of relationship and market insight will be aware of those unique opportunities.
A good relationship with these businesses also means that the recruiter can have a direct conversation with the hiring managers, and help to highlight your skills, achievements and characteristics, rather than just relying on your CV.
Market intelligence
It is quite common, in professional services in particular, that individuals considering a career move have pre-conceived ideas about what type of clients, career progression opportunities, flexibility, or earning opportunities certain practices might have, and therefore what firms might fit their specific requirements. Whilst these can sometimes be correct, often a specialist will know in more detail the ins and outs of culture and opportunity at these firms, and indeed what other companies might fit your criteria that you haven’t considered, or even heard of.
The art of negotiation
A non-specialist recruiter is likely to find out your salary requirements, present them to the client, and receive an offer after interview, without much challenge on any of these figures. A specialist, who knows the market, will also know right away if your salary and requirements are at an appropriate level compared to the market, and if you are under-valuing yourself.
Likewise, a specialist will be able to advise their client that the salary they are looking to pay for the role is not in line with the market, and negotiate an offer that is due to be made that might not be sufficient. This not only takes away the awkward conversation you might have to have yourself, but quite often results in a higher salary than you would receive through a non-specialist or your own application.
Personal touch
A specialist recruiter will typically have a very personal service, and not only help an individual to find prospective employers, but also assist with interview preparation, follow up questions, and ultimately helping to make the right decision for your career amongst competing offers. Changing employers can be a very difficult decision and having someone on hand to give advice (other than friends and family) can be extremely helpful.
Finally, the recruiter will also be able to help make the process smoother with negotiating and explaining the wording in your new contract, and getting references.
There are a lot of great benefits of using a specialist recruitment consultant when considering a career move, and the levels of expertise and personal service can make a big difference to the process of finding the right role for you.
Please reach out to us for more information via hello@aj-chambers.com
Latest insights
Helpful External Resources:
Accountancy: ICAEW | Accountancy Age | Accounting Web
Law: Law Society | Law Gazette | Legal Futures