Looking for Work - Recruiting Agencies or Head Hunters

I've met with my fair share of head hunters or recruitment agencies over the years, most have interviewed me to work for them instead of offering me options. I am disillusioned by head hunters and have yet to be impressed by the service they provide. That said, they are a useful resource when looking for work because they have plenty of opportunities to fill with quality candidates. Trick is finding the one you can work with and trust.

They are looking for the perfect candidate to put forth to the company and when they find them they are hoping for a quick hire and a paycheque. Anyone would right? If that was how you got paid wouldn't you want it to be an easy match? Thing is when it isn't a match and either you don't get offered the job or you turn down the job some head hunters write you off, especially if you've made a taboo mistake during the interview process. Don't forget that their reputation is riding on your performance.

Companies pay a lot of money to recruitment agencies when a match is found and they aren't willing to take a chance on anything less than a perfect match for that reason. So if you are going into an interview set up via a head hunter make sure you are over prepared: Study the company, press your suit, get a hair cut, leave the cell phone at home and know the answers before you arrive preferably early.

Recruiters and Head Hunters have lots of positions they need to fill with highly qualified and good quality candidates. Remember, they are focused on the companies needs not on the candidates needs so don't go in expecting them to find you a position. You need to do your homework and continue to search job boards, newspapers, and websites for opportunities. You will be in the recruiters database but unless you are in constant contact with them you will not be a top of mind candidate.

Choose an agency that has the image you want to portray to the marketplace. If you are looking for labour blue collar jobs register with an agency that specializes in these types of jobs. If you are looking for a professional office position steer away from industrial recruitment agencies and towards agencies that specialize in your industry.

That's the great thing about agencies, there are so many different types. Whether you choose a general bit of everything agency or a niche agency focused on one industry make sure you work with the recruiter. Keep in contact, give feedback about the interviews you go on, call to see if there are any other opportunities, and make sure you know what you want before you meet with them. You don't have to be a star with an amazing resume to use head hunter services, there are plenty that will help you.

I've met only 2 head hunters that I think are really good to work with:

Nancy @ Tag Recruitment Group in Calgary
Paul @ Holloway Schultz in Toronto

Do you know any head hunters that are really good to work with? If so please pass on their names as it isn't easy to find the good ones if you are a candidate.