You’re probably heard the phrase, “Information is power.” Well, perhaps more accurately, “Information CAN be power.” That’s because there’s a difference between information and intelligence, or intel. Information is great, but intelligence is specific and targeted information that is highly valuable to those who can use it.
For both job seekers and employers, market intelligence is the key to success in the employment marketplace. What’s important to remember is that recruiters and search consultants possess the market intelligence that job seekers and employers want and need.
From the point of view of job seekers, recruiters have more information—more market intelligence—about many things. These include which organizations are hiring, which companies job seekers want to work for the most, and the type of positions that organizations are looking to fill. Not only that, but recruiters also know more about specific job openings, the hiring managers at the companies attempting to fill those positions, and what the company culture is like at certain organizations.
From the point of view of employers, search consultants have more information—once again, market intelligence—about many things. These include which candidates are happy or unhappy in their current position, which candidates are most likely to make a move, and what exactly would convince those candidates to make that move.
Market intelligence is the key to success for both job seekers and employers. That’s just part of the value that recruiters and search consultants bring to the hiring process and why building a relationship with a recruiter is one of the most strategic—and intelligent—moves that you can make.