Looking for a new job is often stressful, particularly if you are under pressure to find a new position suddenly or if your current role is making you miserable. However, whilst it may seem natural to frantically apply for several jobs, have you considered the benefits of recruiter exclusivity?

What is recruiter exclusivity?

This is when you agree to relax and permit one trusted recruiter to find you a job for a specific time period such as two weeks.

What are the benefits?

• Firstly, companies often establish good working relationships with recruiters due to their efficiency and the benefits of receiving top-class candidates. As such, when a recruiter puts your CV forward, they are likely be given priority attention. However, without exclusivity, a recruiter may hesitate to put you forward, particularly if you are actively applying for several other roles. This is due to you being viewed as unreliable, in relation to showing up for an interview or accepting the role, which may sabotage the recruiter’s reputation with their client.

• With exclusivity, the recruiter’s priority is you and they are invested in finding you a role that meets your expectations. To do this, the recruiter will need to know you on a personal basis to better understand your needs. This enables your relationship to flourish and often yields better results, as you will be represented accurately to clients and the recruiter will only focus on the roles, they know you will welcome.

• Consequently, exclusivity saves you stress and time. Aside from researching numerous companies, applying for several jobs, and enduring various amounts of phone screening/interviews. Exclusivity ensures your time can be invested efficiently in preparing for jobs you actually want. This prevents interview fatigue, ensures you are not overwhelmed, and therefore often leads to a better performance which may secure your dream role faster.

• Finally, if your CV arrives at the same firms via several recruiters, the company may believe you are “desperate” for a role. This, subsequently, provides them with the power in relation to your salary and benefit negotiation. However, with recruiter exclusivity, you are rare, which permits the recruiter to use their knowledge and expertise to negotiate a higher salary confidently on your behalf, reflecting on your current market value.

Tip:  Do your homework: Find a recruitment agency that understands the market and specialises in your field. Only agree to exclusivity if the recruiter has spent quality time understanding what you desire and can confidently demonstrate how they will represent you to their clients.