Maintaining recruiter connections is a career-long asset.
Throughout my two-decade career as a guide for job seekers and career climbers, I've encountered countless individuals at a pivotal crossroads. They often come with a sense of urgency, tales of job loss, or the simple belief that a new job holds the promise of a brighter future. While this strategy seems logical, there's a significant hitch—a problem that requires immediate attention and correction.
When you're employed, even in a less-than-ideal job situation, you hold a lifeline. A steady salary, reassuring benefits, and, perhaps most importantly, hope. The belief that you can pivot toward something better remains steadfast. However, the landscape changes dramatically when you step into unemployment. The security of a regular paycheck vanishes, the safety net begins to fray, and hope can dwindle. This shift fundamentally alters your job-hunting approach and, ultimately, your chances of success.
In this article, we'll explore this transformation and uncover the critical subtleties of navigating the job market with a strategic mindset when you have a job.
We'll also discuss the power of building long-term relationships with recruiters and the energy shift that occurs when searching for a job.
These insights and practical strategies are relevant whether you're currently employed or on the hunt for your next opportunity.
The Hidden Advantages of Staying Connected:
The quote "It's easier to get a job when you have a job" reflects the idea that job openings are dynamic, and recruiters can assist you when the right opportunity arises. Waiting until desperation sets in to connect with recruiters may not yield the best results. Let's delve into the 6 actionable strategies that will keep you connected:
1. Proactive Networking Yields Results:
Practical Tip: Attend industry events, webinars, and seminars regularly. These provide opportunities to network with recruiters and professionals.
Why It Works: A LinkedIn survey indicates that a remarkable 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. Proactively connecting with recruiters expands your network, easing job transitions.
2. Establishing a Stronger Reputation:
Practical Tip: Maintain contact with recruiters even after a rejection. Send a follow-up email expressing interest in future opportunities and gratitude for their time.
Why It Works: Harvard Business Review's study shows that job seekers who nurture recruiter relationships receive more referrals and have a 46% higher chance of being hired. Rejections can lead to future successes if handled professionally.
3. Positioning Yourself as a Top Candidate:
Practical Tip: Share industry insights, articles, or updates on LinkedIn. Engage with recruiters' posts and comment on industry trends.
Why It Works: SHRM research suggests that candidates currently employed are often preferred by employers. Actively participating in industry discussions enhances your desirability.
4. Access to Exclusive Opportunities:
Practical Tip: Join industry-specific LinkedIn groups and engage in discussions. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn, expressing interest in their work.
Why It Works: SHRM highlights that about 70% of job openings are never publicly advertised. Building relationships with recruiters increases your chances of discovering these hidden opportunities.
5. Nurture Professional Relationships:
Practical Tip: Send occasional career updates, certifications, or achievements to recruiter contacts.
Why It Works: A CareerBuilder study reveals that 82% of employers value relationships with recruiters. Keeping them informed maintains strong connections.
6. Career Growth and Development:
Practical Tip: Set reminders to reconnect with recruiters every six months.
Why It Works: Glassdoor's report indicates that individuals who maintain recruiter relationships experience career growth and gain market insights.
The Energy Shift: Desperation vs. Opportunity
When jobless and desperate for employment, your energy is marked by urgency and anxiety, akin to a high-pressure situation. Conversely, when you're employed and open to opportunities, your energy is more relaxed and confident. You approach change with curiosity and a focus on growth.
Energy Affects Confidence:
In desperation, confidence may wane as fear of failure looms. In contrast, the opportunity scenario fosters higher confidence. You can make decisions with clarity and assurance, unburdened by urgency.
When jobless and desperate for employment, your energy is marked by urgency and anxiety.
Understanding the shift in energy between desperate job searching and calmly exploring opportunities while employed is crucial.
By managing your energy and proactively building relationships with recruiters, you position yourself for long-term career growth and success. Remember, the best time to connect with recruiters is when you don't desperately need a job. Invest in your career, maintain a positive and proactive energy, and you'll navigate the job market effectively, embracing the wisdom that "It's easier to get a job when you have a job."
Greetings, I'm Camilla Vander M, a top communications and interview coach with a track record of guiding 3000+ candidates to interview success. With a Drama and Production background and extensive experience in government and private sectors across Africa and the Middle East, I offer a distinct approach to enhancing professional communication.
Based in Abu Dhabi, I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to excel in job interviews and presentations. My personalized coaching builds confidence, showcases strengths, and targets improvement areas. I'm a firm believer in everyone having the skills to convey qualifications with confidence. My adaptable methods suit all accents and cultures, fostering a unique communication style aligned with individual skills and experiences.
Comments