Working to work: professional recruiters help job-seekers.

• Author: Volmer, Nancy
• Position: Professional Recruiters

It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, especially when job hunting in today's economy. But don't lose heart. Professionals looking for a new position can boost their job search by working with a professional recruiting firm.

Recruiters often have the inside track on job openings and are aware of openings before they are advertised - as well as many jobs that aren't advertised. "We're an underground source of positions the public doesn't know about," says Jill Perelson, owner of Prince Perelson and a principal partner with the Diestel Group.

"Recruiters often have valuable insight about the company and can provide job candidates with valuable insight into what a firm is looking for in order to fill the position," notes Franci Eisenberg, senior executive and technical recruiter with Professional Recruiters.

There are two types of professional recruiting firms -- prepaid recruiters who are on retainer with a firm, and contingency recruiters who are paid only when they fill a position for the firm. Most recruiting agencies in Utah are contingency firms. Since recruiters are paid by the firms that hire them, candidates aren't expected to pay for the service.

But keep in mind when working with a recruiter that the client is paying the tab. "People often misunderstand the job of a recruiter," says Pete Taylor, manager with Management Recruiters International (MRI). "We work for the employer, not the employee."

Another misperception people have of recruiters is that they help candidates make the leap to a new career, which isn't necessarily true. "People have false expectations of what recruiters do," Perelson says. "We can help candidates find a job but can't help with career changes."

Before contacting a recruiter, be familiar with their areas of specialty. MRI, for example, specializes in outsource business processes, biotech, banking and local markets. Prince Perelson's specialties coincide with the industry needs. "We follow whatever is hot," Perelson says. "We're strong in F1 administration, accounting and finances, human resources, sales and marketing." Professional Recruiters serves a broad range of specialties.

Next, be ready to send in a current resume. Though this may seem obvious, recruiters find that often candidates haven't updated their resumes in years. A targeted resume is also critical since this is how a recruiter best determines whether a candidate is a match for a job. Recruiters can assist candidates in creating a targeted resume...