A big mistake that some candidates make is to apply for too many jobs at the same time. This can damage your reputation and reduce your chances of getting an interview. Niamh, Senior Recruitment Consultant within Life Insurance, describes 5 benefits of working with a recruiter. 

“Applying to too many jobs at the same time makes you look like a serial applier. For example, Life Insurance is such a small industry, everyone knows everyone. Candidates might not know this, but companies talk to each other. If you apply for one company, another company will know, and they might not consider you. If you use a recruiter, this remains confidential and they will act in your best interest, matching you with a suitable company.”

If you already know what industry you want to work in, the best idea is to connect with a recruitment agency that specialises in that industry and is an expert in the field.

These are 5 benefits of working with a recruiter:

1. Recruiters build relationships and have access to hidden job markets
   Recruiters often have relationships with companies that are not actively recruiting. This means they may be able to help you find a position that you otherwise would not have known about.
   
   “People that have experience within a sector sometimes go and apply to every role. Why would you do that? It makes candidates look desperate. I have built relationships with different managers; I understand their culture and their way of working. I can best match you with the right company and team”

2. Recruiters help you polish your resume and application materials
   Your recruiter wants you to get the job, so they will usually take the time to review your resume and offer feedback on how to improve it. They can also help you prepare for interviews by giving you tips on what to expect and how to best present yourself. 
   
   “We know the managers and the way they work and the way they interview candidates. We can give you tips and certain questions that managers will focus on the interview. We will also give you the interview process, and guide you every step of the way."

3. They negotiate on your behalf
   Your recruiter will help you negotiate the salary and other terms of employment. They will usually have a good understanding of what is fair and what is negotiable, so they can help you get the best possible deal.
   
   “We want you to get the job. We put a lot of time and effort into screening, matching you with the right company, and preparing you… We want you to get the job.” 

4. They save your time
   Searching for a job can be a full-time job in itself. Working with a recruiter that specialises in your particular industry will save you a lot of time and effort by doing the legwork for you.
   
   “If you are asking for a certain culture, I’ll know what team is best suited for. If I know they have a certain personality and they can match you with a team.”

5. They protect your details
   Every company has their own recruitment process, sometimes you end up filling many forms where you have to give all your personal details. 
   
   “Do not fill out hundreds of forms. We’ll keep your details safe, we will connect with you, and only share them with potential employers that best match your search with your permission.”

If you are job-seeking, consider working with a recruiter to help you find your next opportunity. Additionally, there is no cost to candidates for using their services.

If you are looking for a job within the Life Insurance sector or just looking for an update on the market, feel free to contact Niamh for a discussion.

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Niamh Cutting
Senior Recruitment Consultant | Life Insurance

Phone: +61 419 672 420
E-mail: Niamh@kennedyreid.com.au

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