Do recruiters really need recruiters? As an experienced recruitment professional, you can surely find a job on your own. But do you really have the network and knowledge to find the right job?
Imagine that you found your dream house. Would you just knock on the door and offer to buy it? Or would you rather call the real estate agent chosen by the seller themselves? Similarly, when working on something as important as your career, leaving it in expert hands is the best solution.
Rec to Rec stands for Recruitment to Recruitment (also known as Rec2Rec or R2R). Simply put, Rec to Rec is a recruitment consultant who finds work for other recruitment consultants. At Carlin Hall, we operate as a Search to Search specialising in finding roles in Executive Search for both Executive Search professionals and contingent recruiters who would like to make a move to Executive Search.
So, how can you benefit from working with a Rec to Rec/Search to Search?
1. Tap into the Rec to Rec/Search to Search’s network
Collaboration with a Rec to Rec/Search to Search opens the door to a strong network of clients. Connections in the Executive Search industry are crucial, but it is rather unlikely that you can replicate them yourself. Carlin Hall has solid, long-standing relationships with both top Executive Search firms, including SHREK firms and smaller specialist boutique businesses.
Our clients trust us to find the right candidates for their businesses. They share with us their requirements, experience and skills needed, and we are familiar with the processes they use to determine the best candidates. We can provide you with honest, realistic insights into company culture, expectations, commission structure and growth plans. We know what the team is like and what the hours are really going to be.
Working with a Rec to Rec//Search to Search you also gain access to opportunities that might not be open to the market. This is especially true for roles on which we work with our clients on an exclusive basis.
2. Take advantage of the Rec to Rec/Search to Search’s knowledge
A Rec to Rec/Search to Search has expert knowledge of the market and knows the best Executive Search businesses to work for (sometimes not the ones that are ranked top on Glassdoor). They are up to date on which companies experience the biggest growth and offer the best commission schemes.
The Rec to Rec/Search to Search has met and engaged with the client so they know exactly what the hiring manager is like, what they want and do not want. Because we have been working with our clients for a long time, we know the setup of the interview process and things they will ask and expect from candidates.
3. Save time and continue working
Searching for a job can be a job in itself, and the process would take you much longer if you were going to find the role yourself. The Rec to Rec/Search to Search will do the search for you, matching you only with those Executive Search firms that meet your requirements. They will also take care of the time-consuming diary management and interview scheduling to fit the interviews around your responsibilities. While the Rec to Rec/Search to Search conducts the process for you, you can continue working in your current position. Obviously, you do not want your present employer to find out that you are looking to make a move, so we ensure full confidentiality.
4. Have someone to take your back
As a recruiter, you are surely used to negotiations and closing the deal but representing yourself can be a whole different world. It can be that the interviews go well, but the client has some reservations regarding your experience. A good Rec to Rec/Search to Search will be prepared to handle all the concerns well before the interview process starts. Because we have been working with our clients for a long time, we know exactly what they are looking for in the candidates and what their main red flags are. We will know how to explain a low billing month and how to present the fact that you left your last job in a positive light, bringing out your best achievements.
5. Receive honest feedback
Sometimes clients might be hesitant to share their feedback directly with candidates. Thanks to our open relationships with clients, a Rec to Rec/Search to Search will provide you will an honest and constructive evaluation of your performance throughout the process.
6. Salary negotiation
A Rec to Rec/Search to Search can negotiate the salary and package on your behalf using their expertise and market knowledge. At Carlin Hall, we speak to hundreds of candidates on a weekly basis and can advise where you stand compared to the market. We know the benefits packages, commission structures and holiday pay at different companies and levels, and we are trained to get the best package for you. Thanks to the long-standing relationship with our clients, we will guide the business on your market worth. We will advise what a good package is and if you could get a better one elsewhere.
7. Decision-making
If you are as good as we think you are, it is quite possible that you receive more than one offer. The first thing that might come to mind is to look at the salary and commission structure but your Rec to Rec/Search to Search will have a bigger picture. They will help you compare the different packages, training programmes and long-term business growth plans to make sure you make an informed decision you will not regret.
Does working with a Rec to Rec/Search to Search sound like something you would be interested in? If you decide to work with Carlin Hall, you will be assigned your own dedicated Rec to Rec/Search to Search. They will take time to really get to know you and your career aspirations and help you secure your dream role. Get in touch for a confidential conversation and find out how we can assist you in making your next career move.
