Should Recent Grads Work With Recruiters

Upon graduating, many recent college graduates take the route of working with headhunters in conjunction with directly applying to hiring companies. While hiring companies are pretty straightforward, not many college graduates are well-versed on how recruiters work and the best practices when working with staffing agencies.

 

That raises the question as to whether recent college graduates should work with headhunters in the first place. It’s in my personal opinion, that the answer to this question is that recent college graduates should work with recruiting firms selectively.

 

Therefore, what parameters should recent college graduates use when selectively working with headhunting firms? Below are just a few of these variables:

 

1. Clarity – The more reputable headhunters are very clear about who their clients are, what they expect from the applicants as well as answer any questions that the recent graduate should have.

 

When working with headhunting agencies, clarity is crucial and should either be a green light or a deterrent for that graduate when choosing which headhunting firm(s) to approach.

 

2. Relevant Jobs – College graduates should only take the time to apply to recruiting firms with pertinent open jobs. Expecting to hear back from an executive level search firm will prove to be a waste of time and not to mention mentally taxing on some of these recent graduates.

 

Additionally, recent college graduates should ensure that they like the positions and companies that the staffing agency has to offer; they should not simply rely on qualifications.

 

3. Intelligent Headhunters – I’ve always wondered why some recent graduates work with any recruiter as a career is a very serious thing and there is no reason why a recent college graduate should work with a recruiter simply because they are recruiters.

 

Recent college graduates need to get a feel for these headhunters and their behaviors prior to trusting them with their career. My advice is to tread lightly, but don’t be over cautious to the point where you are closing doors that can find you that dream job.

 

4. Only After Research – Prior to working with headhunters, the recent college graduate should do research on the industry and have a firm understanding as to how recruiters work, how they are paid and what are the nuances of the industry.

 

This research includes how to write a cover letter and resume as you don’t want to continuously apply to these headhunting firms – one and done is my motto.

 

In Closing

 

If the above variables are considered, I think that it is more than fine that recent college graduates approach headhunters. While they should always diversify their search between applying to the employer directly, some staffing agencies can prove to be a great resource for finding that great job.

 

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