When you’re interested in being considered for a job, there are two main routes you can take; you can apply directly through the internal hiring department or Job Application Portal of the Company, or you can work with a recruiter that has been contracted by the Company to identify candidates.
Direct Application
It may seem easier to “skip the middleman” and apply directly. However, there are a few obstacles you may encounter with direct applications.
Resume Filtering & Application Volume:
It’s not uncommon for applications and resumes to be caught by AI filtering technology and never actually be seen by a member of the recruiting team.
Even if your resume isn’t filtered out automatically, depending on the company you are applying to, there may be thousands of applications, enough to overwhelm the internal recruiters and hiring managers. They may not have the chance to review your resume or return feedback.
Miscommunication:
It is harder for candidates and companies to be on the same page in terms of expectations and desired characteristics with direct application because of the lack of transparency that a recruiter could otherwise provide.
Lack of Information:
Candidates using direct application often struggle to have a strong understanding of the role they’ve applied for and the broader team and organizational structure.
Using a Recruiter
Working with a recruiter to apply for a job or to find the best candidate for your company can provide you with many opportunities that you can’t get from direct applications. Here are some of the reasons why working with an external partner may give you a competitive advantage:
The Candidate Perspective
At-Bats:
Recruiters form tight relationships with the companies and hiring managers they represent. Oftentimes this leads them to being more likely to accept a recruiter submission vs. someone from a stack of random applications. When you apply directly, you are essentially a faceless name with no one to go to bat for you. With a recruiter, someone is backing you up and telling a story that may not be obvious on paper.
Insider Information:
In addition to the existing relationship with the Company, an external recruiter will help you prepare for and understand the interview process and provide valuable information and feedback along the way.
Hidden Opportunities:
Recruiters often have access to unpublished roles, opportunistic openings and confidential replacements for highly sought after positions. What you see posted on job boards and career pages is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of available positions.
Looking Out for You:
Once you establish a relationship with a recruiter, you will always be considered for future roles that may be a particularly good fit for your professional interests. Having perfectly suited opportunities occasionally sent to you, is a nice way to passively ensure you achieve your long-term career advancement goals.