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Are there reputable job recruiters/headhunters I should be seeking out to help me in my job search?

Veteran

John Williams Pocatello, ID

I have set up an account on a couple of recruiting sites, and the only thing it seems to have done is spam my inbox with jobs that aren’t even close to what I am looking for or even qualified for. I have tried to do some research on this and I get conflicting information. I don’t mind paying for the service, but how can I find out who would be a legitimate help?

Also, when filling out an application for a job that asks for the pay I’m seeking, should I fill it out or leave it blank? I have been told doing either can take me out of the running for a job. The most annoying thing is that many companies that ask me what I want to make, aren’t posting what the going wage is for that position. Thanks in advance for any feedback or help!

10 April 2016 28 replies Resumes & Cover Letters

Answers

Advisor

Jim Jones Getzville, NY

Hi John, Looks like great advice. I echo Peter's response that your best most effective source of job leads is developing a solid network via LinkedIn, the VA career office and any alumni connections. I might add one thing. That would be to do some community volunteer work that will enhance your skills in an area that interests you, plus it will extend your network. Community based organizations attract community leaders.
Good Luck.

20 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Kristin Garcia Norman, OK

Hello John, my company GuideOn will be working with more companies over the next few months to place Veterans. We're free to use and Combat Arms Veterans can receive free resumes using our translator at www.guide-on.com. Feel free to log in and/or send me your resume to review.
Regarding salaries, I would recommend that you use glassdoor.com to see the salary ranges of the positions you're applying for to see what their ranges look like; than you can add a number around that amount since it's more like market rate. I'm happy to help one on one if you have any questions.

13 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Naveed Agha Sugar Land, TX

Facebook and other social media have plenty of groups for assisting vets. go to any of them and search Veterans or military transition or other things like that and things will pop up. Definitely recommending networking with those in the know.

29 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Brian Carr Dumont, NJ

You need to make connections. call the recruiter. Honestlythey are looking for people that are working.

What field do you want to work in?

Plan to attend trade show- specific to your field of interest and network.

Suggest secure lower/entry level position. You need to prove yourself.

28 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Michael Olmsted, MBA - former US Army Janesville, WI

John, you have certainly received great advice. Adding my two cents I agree never pay a recruiter as they are receiving a fee from their client. As such remember they work for the client and not you. However good recruiters will want to help you so you are more marketable. Someone mentioned Lucas Group and there is also Bradley Morris. I have hired transitioning military from both groups. Both reputable and if you need a contact let me know. Another idea is to connect with the advisors on ACP via Linked In. Many of us have extensive networks where we may be able to help you network into one area or another. Lastly where do you want to land, and what do you want to do? if you like to connect via LI my email address is in my summary.

Good Luck
MIke

28 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Justin Ossola Annapolis, MD

If you are interested in going into the high tech space, take a look at what Tech Qualled is doing right now (www.qualled.com). In fact, a recent candidate who went through our Launchpad Academy wrote an article titled "A Letter to Prospective Candidates". It's a great read that will hopefully help: http://bit.ly/21ehy9Z

27 April 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

John Parker, MBA, MSIS Vacaville, CA

I hired an executive search firm that I met at a military/veterans job fair. They are specifically tailored to former military. I was able to get a job through them. The price was affordable and well worth it in my opinion. Message me and I can forward their info.

26 April 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

Michael Del Vecchio Killingworth, CT

Hello John,

I, personally, never had much luck with recruiters or on-line. Most of the jobs that I found were through my network of friends and prior business associates. That being said, to your first question, I would stop by the local library and ask the reference librarian to direct you to a reference book on recruiters. An example of the book I am talking about is Riley's (http://www.rileyguide.com/recruiters.html). Access to the data should be available free at the library.

To your second question, that of salary, I also had this question every time I changed jobs. I tried something like "listen, I have experience in leadership and accomplishing objectives (I was a sergeant - US Army, 5th ID - also) and am skilled at (whatever your skill is). I am willing to start at less than people with similar experience, but let's discuss in six months." That worked, sort of. Also, I said something like "my current compensation is $xx,xxx - can we start there?" As a last resort, salary bands for jobs are published - check with librarian again. Best of luck.

26 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Ashutosh Mehta Edison, NJ

Thank you for your service John.

All great advices pointing to LinkedIn and equivalent sites. For LinkedIn, you can search your target company and in Advance option, use key word 'recruit' / 'talent' etc. on separate search instances to find hiring dept. people of the company. Most often, hiring dept. wants to expand their own network too so they would accept your professional connection request.

Good luck.

Ashutosh

26 April 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

Sunny Lee Broomfield, CO

John,

As a fellow veteran transitioning out of the Army currently, I and a lot of my soldiers that I still stay connected to are having the same difficulty. There are a number of different methods and organizations that are willing to work with you. The only thing you must do is be willing to put in 100% effort into your career search. Let me begin by replying to both your questions.

RE Recruiting Companies - Do they help? Yes. Are they free of charge to you? Mostly, except for the hiring conference that may cost upwards of $1000 (travel and lodging). Do you need them? No! The #1 thing I have learned in my transition is to "NETWORK!" I cannot emphasize and stress how important it is to get your life story (elevator pitch) out in the open every time you meet someone. So how do you network? Easy.
1. Create an elevator pitch, and every person you meet tell them when they ask, what do you do.
2. Keep track of who you meet, how you met, and what they can do for you, or what you can do for them.
3. Follow-up and establish a connection.

So where do you start? Right here! ACP is an absolute expressway for networking.

RE Salary- You should never leave a section of an application blank. Instead like people before have mentioned Glassdoor, but a good rule of thumb is to do about $5,000 below and above the average salary of any particular industry/position.

However, I have seen people write "negotiable" That has its ups and downs. Bottom line is that there are numerous strategies, you just have to network, find employees, past or present, and ask them for advice.

Good luck, keep your head up high and you'll be just fine.

25 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jason DeCecco West Chester, PA

Hi John - you should also look into the USO's Transition 360 Alliance:
https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-transition-360-alliance-overview

They have partnered with several great organizations to help veterans transition and start their new careers.

Good Luck!

25 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Trish Torizzo Franklin, MA

John -
Check out a company called FDM. They have a really good program for transition and offer courses and then placement as a consultant. As a corporate client of theirs, I've been really impressed overall with their company, integrity and results.
Best,
Trish

24 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Kim House Irving, TX

John,
You are facing some challenges that are unfortunately all too common. My personal bias would be to encourage you to do everything you can before paying someone unless your area of expertise is so specialized. The key to the successful job hunt is who you know. We've all heard that before but there is more to it. First, make sure you have a Linkedin Profile that highlights not only your service but those transferable skills; leadership, teamwork, communication, etc that you undoubtedly strengthened. Work to put your strengths and interests as clearly as possible so people can help you and then connect with everyone you know!

Also, the research you want to do is on the companies you want to work for. Identify those that have positions you believe you would work well in and enjoy and then reach out to your network to see who you know that knows someone at that company. Again, your friends and family are key, get involved in other networking opportunities particularly if there are some in your area that are popular with those who do your type of work. When you ask someone for help in networking, they really can only help you if you can give them at least a couple examples of the types of company you are looking for and particularly those that have open positions you are interested in. Your Linkedin will allow you to search for people from that company within (and outside) your network.

I hope that helps! GodSpeed!

Kim

22 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Russell Cordova Denver, CO

Searching Linked in and Indeed.com has been very successful for me. The "post your resume" sites use an algorithm that is not very accurate and use your information to market to you. It's obnoxious to say the least. Turn off email notifications for those sites and just check them regularly for applicable positions. I have also found that coming up with a list of companies you'd like to work for and then going to their direct sites and/or finding a contact at the organization gives you a leg up. Hope this helps and good luck! Thank you for your service.

22 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Reid Lohr Greenville, SC

John,
Some good answers and thoughts here - with that said, I am sure you have experienced a variety of options - but via ACP and others you have asked. I would totally agree, you should do all you can not to pay a recruiter - there should be enough 'free' services available for you.

In regards to 'headhunters/ executive recruiters' - remember they are paid by employer and thus that is where their loyalty is, as it should be. This does not mean you don't reach out and connect with as many as you can - just keep your expectations in check.

As for online sites: I think you have already learned. If you put yourself our there for one - you are going to get hoards of them with positions that may have no relationship to your interest or background. Unfortunately, this seems to come with the territory.

Ah, the salary question: As mentioned there is no 'real' correct answer - but the general rule is 'thou who speaks first loses'. This question is so often used to disqualify someone, not qualify them - so try to avoid this irritating question. One piece of advice that was given to me was "I am flexible, depending on a better understanding of the position and responsibilities, and overall work environment and culture of the organization" - another is - "I am sure you have a range - what is it". If answering online and you have to answer - do some quick research of similar positions.

Finally and I am sure you know, the chances of getting an advertised position is tough - network, network and network.

There is more and I'd be glad to chat if you'd like - so feel free to call.

best

21 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Sean OShea Palos Heights, IL

Hi John, First, thank you very much for your service to our country! You have my respect and great appreciation. Do not pay for the service of finding you a job. There are many many recruiters out there who will be getting paid (and rightly so) by the employer. Employers who only work with people they do not have to pay, are usually not the types of companies you'd be happy working for. And when the application asks for the pay you're seeking, I would enter "fair and reasonable marketplace rate". If you can't enter that, I'd leave it blank and note the "fair and reasonable marketplace rate" somewhere else on the application. Good luck! - Sean

21 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Damin Kirk North Charleston, SC

Hi John -

Give Lucas Group a shot. It's a company built by Veterans, for Veterans. I don't think there's a fee for their service. They will get you in front of a ton of companies and they'll work with you on your resume, salary requirements and desired job location. Good Luck!

Damin

21 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

William Bahrt Sequim, WA

John, you have been given some excellent suggestions re: recruitment sites. I just want to give you one thing to think about. When you go to one of these sites for assistance, you are, for all intents and purposes, relinquishing your control over the process to them. It is like making a phone call and then waiting for a reply; you have to wait for them to respond and they are controlling the situation. If you are making connections with prospective employers, you are in charge and you can act appropriately.

Re the salary question. If you are in an interview it is wise not to commit to a figure if you can help it. Conduct research on some of the sites given you that indicate what the norm for that position is and if you have to give a figure, give a range. You might also ask them what the range is for that position and then give your figure based upon the figures you have been given. Remember, two interviews are being given when you go to an interview. They are trying to find a fit for that position and you are trying to find a fit to meet your needs. If they are trying to trap you one way or the other, you have the right to take reasonable steps to avoid the trap. Another thing; if they are trying to trap you, do you really want to work for a company that does those things? A good interviewer will be up front with what they feel the position is worth.

19 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jim Obenshain Blanchard, OK

John, one more addition to this. If you are targeting a specific industry, there are some places to actually look at just those jobs. For instance, if looking in Oil & Gas, Rigzone has a very good listing of open positions.

19 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Linda Vazquez, SHRM-CP Palm Harbor, FL

Hi John. Thank you for your service. Your local CareersSource office is a tremendous resource for veterans. It was formerly called the "unemployment office" but you don't have to be unemployed to use their resources and services.

This should get you started.
http://labor.idaho.gov/dnn/idl/JobSeekers/VeteransServices.aspx

I found them to be a tremendous resource to both the veteran and civilian community.

Good luck!

13 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Peter Brauer Lexington, SC

Hi John,

First, you should never pay a recruiter anything for their help. Good recruiters are already being paid by either their agency or their client to find and place the best candidates. You are the commodity here, you should not have to pay them to sell you. The only exception is if you are working with someone that is specifically hired to provide a service like a resume, although most reputable recruiting companies have people to do that as well.

Second, the "signal-to-noise" is always going to be hard here. There are a ton of people out there that are just looking to fill a slot, and don't really care whom they send in. Be careful with these people because there are companies that will not take you for the right job if you have already been presented previously.

Finally, in terms of compensation, this is a tough one. You don't want to price yourself out of a job that would be great, but you also do not want to sell yourself short. I tend to just answer that question with "negotiable."

My best advice for you is to get an idea of what industry you want to work in, or what type of work you want to do, and then find recruiters that are hiring there. Check out LinkedIn, or Monster, or CareerBuilder. Keep in mind with the last two, all the jobs there are also being seen by hundreds of other people so you may not get a quick response unless you are a perfect match.

Hope this helps!
Peter

12 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Michael Wilken Keller, TX

Hi John,

I had decent luck getting leads with Hire Heroes USA. The leads were decent jobs, just not what I was looking to get involved with at the time. I will echo John Green's thoughts as well. I have had the best luck with keeping an updated Linked In profile, updated Indeed profile, etc. You should NEVER pay for a "recruiting" service.

As far as the pay question goes, as you alluded to, there are two schools of thought. Some companies want to see where you are at. If they have a budget for position A of $75,000 per year and your "requirement" is $100k, they may pass immediately. Other companies may be more willing to negotiate. On the other hand, that position may have a budget of $100k. If you put your requirement at $75k, companies can infer a couple of things. Either you undervalue yourself and skills (if they think you are a good fit for the role) or they may think you don't know/understand the going rate for that position in your area. Glassdoor can be a great resource for getting an idea of that company's salary practices as well as the particular role in your area across multiple companies (keeping in mind that job may have a different title at different companies) One thing to keep in mind, for most veterans, depending on your length of service and rank, you may have to take a pay cut to get in somewhere in a new field. I hope this was helpful. Best of luck in your transition!

Cheers,
Mike

11 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

With the right credentials posted on your own website , on Monster, LinkedIn and others, the right recruiters seek you.

You develop a skill at sifting through the spam. If on Google's Gmail, you can filter based on content to spam folder.

For advice on wages, check Robert Half's career guides. There are five guides.

https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides

In my 40 years career experience, I have never had to pay someone to recruit me. You should not either. If there is a fee, it is *always* paid by the employer.

What specialization have you accomplished in your target career ? For example, if in IT, you might be a Cisco switching expert.

11 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Mack Moore San Antonio, TX

Look at the web sites or other information in the areas you are focusing. There should be ads or posting for firms that focus on those areas.

Advisor

Brian Henry San Diego, CA

John,

The question really is whether there is a good recruiting firm for you based on your background, experience and career preferences (things like location, job type etc).

Having been in the recruiting space for the past 18 years since exiting the Marine Corps, I can tell you that there are many factors that will determine if a recruiting firm is going to be good for an individual job seeker.

Orion International is celebrating its 25 year anniversary this year and has placed over 35,000 veterans into career opportunities during that time. And there are other firms like us in the same space that offer their services at no cost to the veteran job seeker.

The problem is that there is no "one stop shop" out there that is able to offer the same value and service to every individual veteran out there.

Recruiting firms have to specialize and develop niches where they feel they can find the job opportunities and the candidates to support those opportunities.

Orion's success has been in the primary niches of transitioning junior officers and skilled enlisted technicians. We have put our primary focus on those candidate populations and finding companies and industries where their skillsets are a solid match and in demand. Like any profitable business, you look for an existing need in the market that you can meet and then focus in those areas.

While we are very effective in those primary niches, there are still many individual factors that will determine whether we are in fact a good resource for an individual job seeking veteran.

A few of the major factors are location preferences and industry/job type preferences. If someone with a perfect skillset background (like a transitioning Infantry Officer or an Electronics Tech for example) is only willing to work in one location (that happens to be a location where we do not often see job opportunities) or if they are only looking to work in a government or defense contractor related role (areas where we will not see opportunities), than we will not be a good fit for that particular candidate. Alternatively, for someone with a good skillset match for our niches who is relatively open on location and interested in the types of career opportunities we see regularly, then we will likely be a fantastic resource.

My point is that there is no service out there that can really cater to or serve every segment of the veteran population. Each transitioning veteran needs to network and research and find those opportunities and services that can benefit them. Be proactive. Seek mentors who can help you get focused on what you want to do next and then seek out those services that may be able to help you reach your goal.

Advisor

Gordon Stables San Diego, CA

John,
Thank you for your service. You have some great advice from the ACP network.
For my two cents worth, I'd suggest once you have narrowed the location, area of expertise and company, then check Linked In or the companies website for the position, "Veterans' Recruiter". I have had some good results in working with these in-house recruiters in placing Wounded Warriors in meaningful positions.
Best of luck in your search.

Advisor

Brian Carr Dumont, NJ

John, ask experts, in field your desire..
I can give you food industry recruiter.s...no fee's to you/job seeker.

Brian

Veteran

John Williams Pocatello, ID

Thanks for the replies, each one has been very helpful. I appreciate all of you taking the time to help out! I'm checking out a lot of sites that you all listed and setting up a good Linkedin account.

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