Rise in Candidate Competition Clutters Job Market
Looking for a job can feel like a job in of itself, and you can use all the help you can get. Job seekers spend an average of four months to find a job, even longer for many in specialized industries. Professional staffing firms can help you shorten your job search, if you understand how to use a staffing firm’s services to your advantage.
April 2015: 6K - 9K New Technical Services & Computer Systems Jobs
Job growth in the professional and technical services rose by 21,000 to 62,000 jobs in April 2015. Employment increased in management and technical consulting services by over 6,000 jobs and by over 9,000 jobs in computer systems design and related services.
Finding the right company to represent your needs is even more critical today because of the competition.
A professional staffing firm can open many doors if you are a good fit for a position, so you need to find common ground.
On the one hand, it’s important that the staffing firm has a good understanding of your capabilities, aspirations, and the type of management and team you work best with.
Conversely, recruiters are looking for more than just qualifications. They also are looking for work ethic, attitude, and other factors that will demonstrate cultural fit.
6 Steps to Success with a Professional Staffing Firm
- Understand and outline your career direction. Many job seekers send their resumes to multiple vendors without researching the staffing firm or the types of clients they serve. The more due diligence you take in understanding your career goals, the easier it will be to find a partner to ensure you find the right fit for your skill-set and personal values. For example, pursuing a career at a Fortune 500 company differs from working at a small or mid-market organization (see graphic).
- Use strategic keywords in your resume. Include specific positions, industries, certifications, and other searchable terms. The more dramatic the metrics are, the better your chances.
- Be honest. Inflated expertise or capabilities will be uncovered during the screening process by the reputable staffing firms. Conversely, if you are vague you will be passed over.
- Present yourself professionally. Eliminate spelling errors and create a consistent personal brand in your resume and on social networks.
- 43% of hiring managers will disqualify a candidate from consideration because of spelling errors
- 76% of the time an unprofessional email address will get a resume rejected
- 19% of a recruiter's time spent on your LinkedIn profile will be simply viewing your picture. Make sure you have a professional image for people to view.
- Work with a professional staffing firm that will spend time and attention reviewing your resume and credentials. Due to the growth of the industry, professional staffing firms are competing to find more candidates in less time. This 'assembly-line' approach results in less face time and more frustration for candidates looking for the right opportunity the first time.
- Have a great attitude. Attitude is everything. Optimism and a good attitude will put your recruiter at ease. Give honest feedback about your background and resume. If a job is not a fit, don’t get frustrated. Look to find other opportunities that you could be a fit for. A good recruiter will put you on their “short list” if another opportunity arises, and will call you first.
