Choose right tool for job search

The anonymous job search: employment agency, recruiter, counselor or coach?

An executive-level client of mine has narrowed down his career target. His resume is complete and he knows exactly what kind of job he wants. Yet he’s got one caveat – his current company can’t know that he is looking for another position.

What’s the best method for him to pursue? How does he know, if he locates an agency/firm online, that it is legitimate and the right service for him? Knowing the difference between the types of resources and their services is key to selecting the most appropriate one.

Executive search firms

Executive recruiters, or headhunters, work for employers rather than job seekers.

They focus on senior level positions that may be difficult to fill. Most specialize in specific professions, industries, and geographic areas. A recruiting firm working on retainer will receive pay for its efforts regardless of whether a position is filled. Contingency recruiters are paid after they make a placement and may be more aggressive, as commissions earned for placement can be as much as 30 percent of a candidate’s annual salary.

The advantage of working with an executive recruiter is that you have a chance at jobs that are rarely advertised and you’re competing with a smaller field of candidates. The disadvantage is that a recruiter won’t be interested in talking to you unless you’re a fit for the current position he/she is filling. So keep in mind that the recruiter is working for the employer, not for you.

This is the best route for my client to take because not only is the level of job he is searching for appropriate for this agency, but it is more likely that his search remains confidential, as the agency is speaking only with the company that hired them and they are located in another state.

Employment agencies

Employment agencies find employees for companies with job openings ranging from entry-level to middle manager. Employment agencies help the employer because it no longer must screen candidates; they help job seekers because they provide them access to jobs that may not be advertised.

Depending on the state, an employment agency may charge the employee a fee after making a placement, but most agencies tend to charge the employer.

One type of employment agency, the temporary agency, provides employers with workers for a specified amount of time.

In a “temp” situation, the worker is actually hired by the employment agency to go on temporary and special assignments. The agency gets a fee from the employer and the employee receives a wage after the agency takes its percentage. Some temps may be eligible for health benefits, depending on the agency’s policy.

Career consultants

The difference between career consultants, counselors and coaches is less striking than with firms and agencies. Some tend to give advice. Coaches help you reach your own conclusions. In either case, career specialists don’t place you in jobs.

They provide you with the tools and support to determine the best career goals for you and to market yourself, and you pay for their services. Services include skills assessments, resume preparation, job search strategies, interview practice and salary negotiation knowledge and practice.

Beware of career consulting agencies that claim to guarantee to find you a job. Also, watch out for one-package, one-price deals and high-pressure sales tactics.

Legitimate career professionals will follow a code of ethics and will assess your needs and tailor their services accordingly.

Similar Posts:

• Match your Potential with the Right Graduate Job
• How the New Economy has Changed the Job Market
• A Non Fat, No Foam Jobs Plan
• Why Online Colleges Are For Those Serious About Their Careers
• Staying Motivated at a Dead-End Job
• 15 Tips On How To Change Jobs
• Can’t Decide on a Career? Take a Career Survey
• Top 5 Employment Trends for 2012
• First Job Interview: How to Prepare
• Why Call-Back Preparation is as Important as Interview Preparation