Specialist Recruiter – Is it worth it?

Let’s discuss the importance of working with a specialist recruiter! 

I’d been an Accountant for 10 years, and changed jobs a few of times, but did I truly grasp the impact a good recruiter could have?

To be honest, I don’t think I did.

It never occurred to me to seek out a specialist recruiter. Throughout my career, I found myself working with all-rounder recruiters who would pick me up, put me down, and often forget about me. (It could’ve been personal—maybe they just didn’t like me. You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea!)

Yet, as I reached out to industry friends, I quickly realised that I wasn’t alone in this experience. And when you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

In other areas of our lives, when we need advice and support, we turn to companies or individuals who specialise in those specific niches. We understand that their unrivalled knowledge, skillset, and experience can make the challenges in our lives easier.

And for the Accountants out there, let’s not forget the countless hours we’ve spent unravelling accounts, tax documents, and bookkeeping records prepared by individuals who lacked a deep understanding of the complexities of that particular client or company.

Yes, the irony isn’t lost on me—an Accountant turned specialist recruiter who never actually engaged one herself.

But I can assure you, I’ve come to see the error of my ways! Sitting on the other side of the desk has been a true eye-opener.

A good specialist recruiter possesses an intimate understanding of their market and we share our insights with our candidates to find them their next role.

We’re the outsiders, with insider knowledge.

Here are 5 ways working with a specialist recruiter can benefit you:

The hidden market

There are so many scenarios where companies and firms are looking for new staff but haven’t yet advertised the role. Whatever the reason, employers often rely on the discretion of a recruiter to informally and discreetly search for the ideal candidate. If you’re job searching and not speaking to any recruiters, then you’re missing out on all the exciting roles that are not yet advertised openly.

Insider knowledge:

Not only do we know about roles that aren’t ready to be released yet, but we also know about roles in the pipeline. Remember that we engage with our clients regularly. There may not be a suitable role for a Senior Accountant in Guildford at the moment, but what I know is that one of my clients will be looking for someone just like you in 4 months’ time as Jane, their longstanding and reliable employee, is relocating to be closer to their partner. We also have insight into team dynamics and core values of the companies you’re considering

Salary guidance:

We can provide you with average salary ranges for your role based on the specific sector, firm size, or niche you’re targeting.

Interview Preparation:

Let’s face it—some people struggle with interviews, and this applies to both clients and candidates. Engaging a recruiter helps ensure that you present yourself in the best possible way. You’ll receive guidance throughout the process, giving you the best chance of success. (If you’re not already familiar, check out the STARV technique.)

Support:

We’ll be there to advise, and guide you throughout the entire recruitment process, from CV tips to salary negotiations.

Having this knowledge and insight at your disposal can prove to be invaluable to your job search.

So, please don’t make the same mistake I did! Who knows, I might still be crunching numbers as an Accountant if I had sought out a specialist recruiter who could have helped me secure my dream role.  (Looking back, I’m certainly grateful that David Waddell brought me into the recruitment world though.)

If you’re considering new opportunities in the Accountancy field and would like to pick my brain about the current job market, please get in touch.

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Claire is a Principal Consultant within Harvey John’s Accountancy division, specialising in Public Practice recruitment. 

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