Why work with a recruiter?

If you are a candidate looking for a position writing software or designing hardware in the music/audio industries, you might ask: why bother working with a recruiter? After all, you can search jobs on the web and find them by yourself.

• I go over your resume with you, asking for clarification; asking you to strengthen certain areas; asking you to be more explicit. In doing so, I draw on my experience as a recruiter, manager, and employee.
• I am watching out for the interests of both you the candidate and the hiring company. If you follow my web site, you will find that there are companies for whom I do not recruit, a lot of them of course. Just to make it clear: in some cases I cannot recommend a company to a candidate because, for example, of unsound business practices. If a company is on my web site, then I believe that it's a good place to work.
• In real estate, not all houses are advertised on the open market. Likewise, sometimes there are companies who "may" have an opening "for the right candidate." Or I have heard about someone leaving a company, and your background may fit the position. I may be able to put you into contact.
• If we decide to send your resume to a company, I will interview you by phone. My notes will accompany the resume when I send it in. In my notes I will emphasize your strong points and underline how you match the position. Hiring managers and HR personnel who have worked with me before know that my "phone screen" is thorough, saves them some legwork, and is addressed to their position.
• If an interview is scheduled, I will prepare you for it. We will talk on the phone not so much about what to wear (although that's covered too) but rather what kinds of questions to anticipate; how to deal with questions that you can't immediately answer; what if anything to take along; and so on. If you work with me you won't go in cold.
• If the company makes you an offer I am available to help you decide how to respond. In some cases I help out with "shuttle diplomacy" to work out details of the offer.
• You have the benefit of my experience in the field. My interest is in finding a long-term match between a candidate and the company. I want you to succeed in your new position. You will benefit from my judgement and experience during the hiring process.

If you're interested, I've put together some recommendations for job candidates. There is also a list of currently available job descriptions.