Yes, there are people out there who will try to get you a job. And yes – that’s their job, to connect other people to jobs. They’re called recruiters and they recruit for positions on behalf of their company or client.
And no, you don’t have to pay them, but recruiters aren’t doing you any favours. Their job is to find the best candidates to fill open positions for the company.
Recruiters will contact you through email, LinkedIn, or wherever you provide access. But if you want recruiters to come to you, you need to provide access and many reasons why they recommend you.
If a recruiter hasn’t contacted you, consider these:
Search Engine Optimization & Applicant Tracking Systems
If recruiters can’t find you, they can’t contact you. You need to enhance your digital presence because recruiters scour the internet using keyword searches. Your resume and LinkedIn need keywords that correspond to the jobs you want. Read job descriptions and ensure that the listed skills and qualifications are in your resume and LinkedIn. You should also include these keywords in your headline, tagline, career objective, career summary…somewhere in the top third of your materials. Most recruiters use automated technology like applicant tracking systems, so keyword frequency is essential to ensuring your application isn’t buried with the hundreds of other applications.
Content
Clearly outline what your past jobs involved briefly. Don’t assume recruiters know what your day-to-day duties were based on the job title. Writing your responsibilities and achievements in as few words as possible isn’t easy, but recruiter spend very little time, so highlighting accomplishments with numbers and relevant keywords while omitting everything else is essential.
Social Media
Online networking platforms are assets if you understand how they’re advantageous. To recruiters, your social media accounts reflect your personality. Your posts and photos provide a preliminary glimpse of the employer-employee fit, and recruiters analyze if both sets of values align. Social media allows you to upload materials for jobs that require a portfolio, so attach social media accounts to your resume and LinkedIn if they give you an advantage – otherwise keep them private.
Consistency
Recruiters need to feel comfortable recommending candidates to their company or client. Your resume and LinkedIn should address any employment gaps, and remain free of inconsistencies. Recruiters look for candidates who demonstrate (through their application materials and LinkedIn profile) passion, motivation, communication, integrity, likability, and reliability. They seek quick learners who can acclimate to new settings, and candidates who demonstrate a career path that proves skills were gained and developed through each job.