Today’s market is crazy!  Companies are still hiring and people are out there looking, but hiring managers often have stricter budget constraints that necessitate “exact fits.”  They’re taking their time to weigh experience against cost, personality against skills.  At the same time, budgets are in flux and money allocated towards a position today may not be there tomorrow. 

Job seekers are facing the same dilemmas: a tightening market and the need to have a fulfilling career vs. inflation and job uncertainty.  What a mess…

It’s easy to fall into the trap of applying only for jobs that one sees on job boards or company web sites.  You know there’s a concrete position waiting on the other end, right?  The problem with that is that by the time the job reaches the www, it’s halfway to being filled.  Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for openings, and they most often focus on people who have either been referred to them or with whom they have an existing relationship.  Why wouldn’t a recruiter save time & resources relying on known quantity instead of quickly establishing report with a brand new person?  (An article from 2004 lays this out really well: http://www.job-hunt.org/article_proactive_job_search.shtml). 

In order to stay competitive and respond appropriately to a company’s needs (as well as your own), network with someone who can put you in the right place at the right time…saves a lot of effort.  Meeting with recruiters and finding one you want representing you and whom you can trust is key. 

When the right job for you comes along, you’ll have the security of knowing that your talents (and yes, faults…we all have them!) are accurately showcased.  You’ll be far ahead of the game!

So, even if a recruiter doesn’t have a solid opportunity for you, it’s worth sitting down, figuring out what you want so that when that perfect shows up…you’re ready.