This may seem a little strange but developing a close relationship with a recruitment consultant could be one of the best uses of time in your career.

Over the years I’ve met a number of directors who regularly seek careers advice from and place a huge emphasis on the relationship with a particular recruitment consultant. These are smart individuals and they know the value of having a good consultant on their side.

Photograph : BBC

Just as Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford are Alan Sugar’s formidable aides on The Apprentice, the truth is your recruitment consultant could be your best careers advisor.

Why?

Recruiters know about forthcoming vacancies often not advertised publicly. They have inside information about the culture of companies; the reasons staff join AND leave, the competition and the variable rates of pay. Once they understand YOU, they can approach companies who they know fit your skills and use their experience to get you in the door.

Recruiters know candidate care is essential. They can give you a helicopter view of the employment market, where the demand is and where you can fit. Give you a reality-based opinion on what you are worth in the current climate. The list goes on.

What’s the trick?

There is no trick. Just have a positive attitude and be prepared to invest time to build the relationship. If the consultant doesn’t want to invest time, move on and find another who will.

Try picking up the phone and spending a few hours building a network of trusted advisors – all willing to work on your behalf. Then see what happens. Why not set yourself a goal in your abintegro action plan to help focus your efforts.

Good luck,
David