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There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the field of recruiting. The recruiting methods of the past have muddied the waters around a field that has advanced significantly with the aid of technology. To help you cast off your preconceived notions about recruiters, we’ve put together a list to demonstrate what recruiters have that can help your job search.

1.  Market temperature — If you’ve been in your job for awhile or have just recently left it, you probably won’t know whether your industry is hot or cold when it comes to hiring. A recruiter will know the hiring market better. You can use this knowledge to help you better navigate the job market.
2. Extensive network — No matter how large your network is, it’s almost guaranteed a recruiter’s network is larger. A skilled recruiter in your industry has spent many years working with and getting to know companies in your industry. Leverage the recruiter’s network to your advantage.
3. Company familiarity — In conjunction with their extensive networks, recruiters have built more than just surface relationships with companies. They have in-depth knowledge of the culture of each of the companies they have relationships with. Whether you want to know dress expectations or what the hiring manager is like, the recruiter is your source of information.
4. Insider knowledge –Companies often give recruiters first access to job descriptions before they go out to job boards and other public places. When you work with a recruiter, you get that same early access. The recruiter will know what jobs you make a good candidate for and will keep you in mind when they get these job descriptions.
5. Resume spread — If you’re looking to find a job in another area or state, getting in a recruiter’s database lets you be ‘present’ without physically being in the area. Jobs that would otherwise be unknown to you in your target area open up when you work with a recruiter.

If you’re still not sold on working with a recruiter, consider this: recruiters have spent years building relationships and learning the ins and outs of the hiring market. They know how companies want candidate resumes and cover letters formatted, what job skills they weight higher than others. Having a recruiter on your side means that when they find a position that fits you, they will leverage the trust the company has in them to get you in front of the right eyes.

They have years of experience placing candidates like you to back their expertise and advice. It benefits you to leverage those years of experience for yourself.

During the last twenty years I’ve observed the highest and lowest demands for qualified candidates. Regardless of the economy, finding and hiring great people has always been tough, but what has changed the most is the speed that hiring decisions are made. The first hiring decision is typically made with a phone screen conducted in a casual, get-to-know-you manner. Now, busy schedules and fast-paced industries mean phone interviews, although casual, are serious business. These interviews typically only last 15-30 minutes, but will decide if you move forward in the process. Let’s discuss a few ways you can impress the interviewer during a quick phone interview. Look the part. Even though the interviewer can’t see you, your professionalism will transmit through the phone. It’s important to act natural and be yourself, so if you’re an animated speaker, feel free to move your hands while speaking. Good posture, business casual dress and a smile will help you feel more confident and be reflected in your responses. Focus. Most interviewers will give you a few days notice prior to any interview so determine a quiet, distraction-free place to conduct your phone interview. If you’re using your mobile phone, make sure the reception is ample and there’s no excessive background noise. For the few minutes you have the interviewers undivided attention, be sure to focus on the call and their questions. Go old school. Step away from your computer and bring your notes with you. A hard copy of your resume, your findings on the company and additional space for notes is all you need. Keyboard clicking in the background could be perceived by the interviewer as disinterest. Sitting away from your computer will lessen the distraction of checking your e-mail or updating your Facebook status, and also ensure that you’re prepared by doing research ahead of time. Listen. Phone interviews can be challenging to navigate without the help of body language and cues. Take the opportunity to listen to the questions your interviewer is asking and pause briefly before responding, so you don’t interrupt them. A phone interview could be the gateway to your new career so being prepared and focused can help you ace this step and move forward in the interview process. Please share your phone interview experiences with us on Facebook or find us on Twitter.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, we’d like to share a cause that we’re proud to be a part of. Toys for Tots is a not-for-profit program started by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to distribute Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. Toys for Tots collects donations of new, unwrapped toys throughout December. Each year, the goal of Toys for Tots remains the same to “deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.”We believe in giving back and appreciate the opportunity to work with an organization that continues to grow and give back more each year. During the holiday season, our Cumming office serves as a drop-off location for the Toys for Tots collection. The most exciting part of our involvement is that War Pig is involved too! The War Pig Project, sponsored by our company, is a Deuce dedicated to those who served in the Vietnam War. This year, we will pick up toys across north Georgia with help from War Pig. Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys for children up to the age of 14. Not sure what to buy for a teenager? Consider a gift that might be appropriate for your own child or relative. Other popular gift items for older children include: sporting equipment/bags/balls; books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers. If money is tight this holiday season, we understand and we invite you to donate your time as a volunteer or make a monetary donation. For more information on how you can get involved with this wonderful organization, click here. We thank you for your generosity this holiday season and appreciate your support of Toys for Tots!