How does one find reputable recruiters/headhunters as a job seeker?

Question

I'm sort of new to the job search process, having spent a couple years in the industry straight out of college and then gone to graduate school for way too many years.

Now, despite (hopefully) getting a PhD from a top-tier school in 6 months, I'm leaving the academia and going back to the industry for a hands-on-position that will hopefully make some use of my background.

However, most of the recruiting avenues I have been used to are impractical: I'm not seeking academic positions so my academic contacts are worthless, and most college recruiting events and career fairs are depressingly entry-level oriented and I was often told that I am now overqualified. Most job boards that I've looked at are looking for extremely experienced team leads, or for very entry level positions. Most of my colleagues headed out to the west coast whereas I have to stay on the east-coast for family reasons.

I got a few interviews lined up, but it seems like I'm missing on a significant number of available jobs and it looks like I'll have to resort to a recruiter.

But how does one find a decent recruiter in a certain geographic area (NYC in my case)? Are their reputable companies that one can submit a resume to that are not entry-level slavetraders or simple scammers?

Answer 1

First things first -- reach out to your network. You must have a number of former students in the industry now -- ask them! Start building your network on LinkedIn, and get involved with local user groups.

As far as recruiters go, ask around (again, ask your students!). Once you get a few names, ask them in for an interview. If they can't sell themselves on you, they certainly can't sell you on an employer. Get and check their references, and do your due dilligence.

Once you find a good recruiter, keep in touch with him. They're hard to find, and they're worth their weight in gold. Just drop them an email every 6 months or so to keep in touch, and make sure they know to contact you if they change job.

Answer 2

First, I would ask your friends in the industry in the area. They'll be your most reliable source. Then, check the local users group for you language/platform of choice. Finally, call a few places you'd possibly like to work and see if they'll give you a vendor list. Then contact them directly.

Answer 3

Having recruited at careers fairs at top schools on the East Coast for several years I can tell you there are people out there looking for people with PhDs and experience. You are in an more specialist position. This means you'll just need to work harder than the rest of the students. Keep going to the careers fairs.

I recommend:

• Go to careers fairs and target specific companies you've identified before hand.
• Get lists of companies in your area that match your areas of speciality, check their website for open positions and send in a speculative resume
• Find an opening that is more junior than you are looking for in an organization that you think will be able to promote you quickly if you prove your worth (and gives you a broad experience if you don't get promoted so you can find something else easily). You will need to prove your worth if you've been in academia for a while - I've lost count of the number of students that feel they have a right to be a 'manager' or team lead with a six figure salary, just beacuse they have a high GPA.
• Network wherever you can LinkedIn, friends, family, ...
• Attend local programming events, User Groups, anything to meet people who may have a job
• Only then pick recruiters based on recommendation from friends and don't be afraid to say no to interviews or positions that aren't for you - they need you more than you need them. You'll soon find out who are the good recruiters. I'd probably avoid head hunters until you are more specialist. Most organizations only use them for very senior positions as you need to pay up front.