By Jennifer Hannigan, CEO of Alliance Resource Group
Working with a recruiter always gives job hunters an advantage — I wouldn’t have dedicated my entire professional career to the recruiting industry if I didn’t believe this. It’s even more important in times of economic uncertainty and an unbalanced labor market.
At the midway point of 2023, the U.S. economy remains strong with most economists no longer anticipating a recession. Navigating a historically low unemployment rate, tight labor market and growing economy, now is the time for jobseekers to become incredibly strategic in planning any career move. In Southern California, the competition for Accounting and Finance talent remains very heated.
The improving economic outlook has many leadership teams recalibrating their organizational plans, greenlighting projects that were previously on hold, and reassessing headcount and hiring needs.
If you’re looking for a new Accounting and Finance role, a recruiter can be your best guide for finding an opportunity that most aligns with your values and career goals.
Below is a short list of some important ways a recruiter can help you:
- With a record-low unemployment rate, companies may be willing to be more flexible — overriding the items on their “perfect employee” checklist. Recruiters can help them “read between the lines” of your resume and appreciate what an asset you’d be to their company.
- Yes, there is a talent scarcity, especially in Accounting and Finance. But hiring managers are still scrambling, and it’s likely your resume might get lost in the shuffle. Recruiters bypass that process and get you in front of the right people quickly.
- Even though there will always be a demand for the strongest talent, the competition is fierce right now. You need someone who can advocate for YOU. When a recruiter believes in you, I can guarantee the client knows it.
- Recruiters pride themselves in knowing their clients well, especially those “hot buttons” that might not be visible to the public. They use this intel to help you prepare for your interviews, ensuring you’re ready for any questions that come your way.
- During times like these, hiring managers and executives are stretched beyond their limits and can often revert to being overly reactive. Recruiters help manage the hiring process and keep the client focused on moving open positions forward in a timely manner.
- We are still surrounded by uncertainty, with employees and employers alike approaching the economy with cautious optimism. The last thing you want to do is make a mistake in your next role. Finance and Accounting recruitment experts know the market and understand the risks and rewards of working for specific companies and will help you weigh your options. Knowledge and transparency are critical during times like these.
- During a period of economic uncertainty, a company may try to bargain for a lower salary. Recruiters are trained negotiators who represent both sides. They’ll help you come to an agreement that is fair and mutually beneficial.
- Companies often conduct confidential searches during periods of economic uncertainty. They may be trying to upgrade their talent to take advantage of shifting circumstances, but don’t want to call attention to it. There might be an internal reorganization on the horizon. In these situations, they almost always turn to recruiters. You want to be represented when these top-tier positions are being privately discussed.
Bottom line: It’s a competitive landscape for those looking for their next role, but there are incredible opportunities out there. You need every advantage on your side to ensure you’re noticed and well-equipped for the hiring process. We’re in this together.
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