Using recruiters seems like an easy and convenient path to use when looking for a job: but how do you know whether or not they’re on your side?

Through a database of resumes, recruiters find job seekers with certain skill sets and put them forward for vacancies.

As a job seeker you’ll frequently be using recruiters when applying for jobs. But there are so many other job seekers on their radar and a limited amount of jobs available. Can you be sure you are being put forward for the jobs you want and to employers who are likely to want to hire you?

In many industries it can be really beneficial to have recruiters calling businesses on your behalf and pushing your skills. They probably already have connections with the business and have built a rapport over a period of time.

If they’ve built up a trusted relationship already, you’re potentially weeks ahead of any competitors. They will call an employer and tell them all about your skills, experience and what you can offer. Hearing this from someone known and trusted can be much better than seeing a name on a piece of paper.

Additionally, through the connections they have they might know of vacancies that aren’t on job boards. Or they will know that businesses are about to recruit and can get you in early before they have even advertised.

Recruiters’ industry knowledge is a valuable tool to use. They will advise you on how best to get into the industry, if you haven’t already done so. They will arrange meetings and interviews, and then prepare you for them, knowing what you should bring along, what questions to expect and tips on answering them.

If you are successful with the role the recruiter will also carry out all the discussions over salary, with input from you, and arrange for the contract to be sent out to you.

Recruiters might get a bad rep sometimes, but their industry knowledge and years of building relationships with businesses can put you steps ahead of the competition.