Careers in the information technology (IT) sector often appear on lists of top-paying majors for new college graduates. In fact, computer engineering is currently number one, according to a new salary survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The sector as a whole has an unemployment rate of 4 percent, which is only about half the national average. Hiring managers are always on the lookout for talent but face stiff competition from other firms that need employees with IT skills. Why then should a young IT graduate consider hiring an IT recruiter?
While it is true that IT professionals are in high demand, most companies aren’t looking for inexperienced candidates. They want professionals with at least 2 to 5 years in the workforce. There is a very good reason for this, of course. Most IT pros changes job quite frequently, about once every three years. As a result, the firms that hire them do not have the time or the resources to train new workers. Rather, they expect them to hit the ground running, which is why managers prefer people with working experience.
Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned IT pro, an IT recruiter can help you secure a higher starting salary based on your skills and work experience. But before you agree to anything, it is important that you know exactly what you’re getting into.
What do they do?
A recruiter is a factotum of sorts that wears many hats. His/her primary responsibility is to get you a job by submitting your resume to firms that are in need of the skills you offer. To do so, they must determine where your skill set fits in the ever-changing marketplace we call the IT sector. Recruiters are also career counselors that may recommend additional training or education to make you more marketable.
Can anyone hire them?
Recruiters earn money by filling positions for their staffing agency, which means they prefer experienced job seekers to newcomers, since they are much easier to place. If you are just out of college, it may be difficult to secure a recruiter because they work on commission, which means less money for them if they place you in an entry-level position. With that said, there are plenty of IT recruiters that are willing to work with talented young graduates.
What does it mean when an IT recruiter asks for an “exclusive”?
To increase their range of options, many job seekers work with several recruiters at the same time. If one asks you for an “exclusive,” they want to know if they can represent you on their own for a specific period of time, often a week or two. If you feel comfortable with and have faith in the recruiter, it is often a good idea to accept the deal, since it will make you a top priority.
Are there any risks?
Absolutely. Just like any other employee who works on commission, a recruiter values his time and may not be willing to devote much attention to your job search if he is not assured a juicy payday. Instead, he may simply try to place you at a mediocre job as soon as possible so that he can receive his commission straightaway. For this reason and many others, you should only ever deal with recruiters that treat you like a valued client. They should respond to your phone calls and emails in a timely manner and contact you as soon as they receive an attractive offer.
