Technology and innovation have disrupted countless industries over the past several years, not the least of which is the recruiting industry. In the recent past, headhunters, the proactive agents of recruiting firms, would be on the front lines and phone lines seeking the best talent for the clients they represented. Frequently, headhunters reached out to talented people who were not actively seeking employment, hoping to steal them for the benefit of their clients.
At the same time, those in search of a position would often opt for the services of recruiting agencies, relying on these agencies to match them with a suitable employer at a competitive salary.
Not to wax nostalgic, but it was a good system. Agencies kept employers on their toes because losing valuable employees was an ever-present risk and headhunters benefited employees by offering opportunities to talented individuals who might otherwise languish in their comfort zones.
What Happened?
Not to oversimplify, but the Internet happened. With the Internet came innovations of all stripes—social media sites such as LinkedIn, sites specializing in job opportunities for specific industries, job board aggregators, and powerful software capable of searching resumes for critical keywords.
As a result of these developments, companies have unprecedented access to job seekers and an array of available software to filter resumes for the most logical candidates.
Recruitment Firms May Be Down but They Are Not Out
The opportunities provided by the Internet have not gone unnoticed by recruiting firms. Many new firms have blossomed online and most established firms have supplemented brick and mortar operations with an online presence. While the direct access companies have to the job pool via the Internet has had a negative impact on recruiting firm revenues, they are carving out a niche in an increasingly competitive market.
Professional recruiters and headhunters have insider knowledge and established relationships with their clients, which provides them with a distinct advantage. Combine that with the real world experience which enables them to evaluate the personalities behind the resumes and you can readily understand why their extinction is anything but imminent.
Hedge Fund Jobs
While recruitment agencies remain an option for those seeking a position with a hedge fund, experience suggests that one’s networking contacts provide the best interview opportunities. That said, it is also important to recognize that good recruiters can open doors for you and, provide valuable industry insights.
Passing muster with a recruiting firm can be a real confidence booster. After all, the recruiting firm represents the interests of the prospective employer, so a successful interview with a recruiter implies a certain potential for success.
Always take the time to craft a handwritten thank you letter and send it snail-mail rather than email. Your goal should be to leave a positive impression with everyone in your network. Small courtesies may be enough to set you apart from the pack and move your name toward the top of the list for present and future opportunities.
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