Staffing agencies don’t always have the best reputation amongst professionals. We get it. And if your personal preference is to find a new job directly, then that’s great.
However, it’s important that you don’t make your decision based only on the rumours you’ve heard. A great deal of what’s said about working with recruiters isn’t entirely accurate. Below, we’re setting the record straight, addressing 4 of the most common myths that are circulating about recruiters, and sharing the real story.
1. Recruiters work for businesses, not candidates
Recruiters definitely do work for businesses. But they also work for candidates. In fact, there needs to be this investment in both sides of the equation to drive a successful outcome. Good recruiters need to be able to understand the requirements of the employer, while also being able to view opportunities through the eyes of professionals. If you’re ever in doubt, remember that recruiters don’t just find people jobs; they also offer career advice, help you prepare for interviews, and much more.
2. Jobs from staffing agencies are always short term opportunities
Some opportunities are short term. Of course they are. But recruiters work where they’re needed. That means that, at any given time, a staffing agency is probably trying to fill short term, long term, temporary, interim, permanent, and full time positions all at once. For recruiters, every day brings something new. Recruiters spend years building strong relationships and building networks across various industries, which means they often have very diverse, very broad opportunities.
3. You’re just another ‘job’ to them
For recruiters, placing the right people into the right roles is a job. It’s what they do. It’s what they get paid for. And so many professionals worry that recruiters only act in their own best interests; they just want to make a placement – any placement – to get their fee. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Recruitment isn’t something people tend to ‘fall into’; it’s a niche that you need to actively step into. Recruiters spend their days doing this because they’re passionate about making a difference.
4. You earn more when you find a job directly
This is an interesting one, because in many cases we find that candidates are able to secure a higher offer than they would if they went to an employer directly. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, recruiters can be more confident negotiating. After all, they have nothing to lose. Secondly, businesses and recruiters often have long standing relationships; they trust each other. If you’ve got a recruiter advocating on your behalf and telling an employer that you’re worth the salary, they believe it.
Ultimately, there are many different ways to find a new job. Working with a recruiter or staffing agency is just one of them. And it may not be the right choice for you. But don’t dismiss it when you’re basing your opinions on silly myths and false legends.