5 Reasons Why You Should Apply with an Agency vs. Job Portals
In today’s bustling job market, you have a variety of options for finding your next opportunity. While job portals are a popular choice, recruitment agencies are stepping up their game with enhanced services and a personal touch. So, why should you consider working with an agency rather than relying solely on job portals?
1.Tailored Support and Guidance One of the biggest perks of working with a recruitment agency is the personalized support you get. Unlike job portals where you are just another resume in the pile, agencies take the time to understand your career goals, skills, and preferences. They offer customized advice to help you perfect your resume, set-up interviews, and confidently navigate the job market. This is especially valuable for people new to the local job market or are junior candidates.
2. Negotiation Assistance Recruiters are experts in their ability to “get the best for you”. They have extensive experience in negotiating on your behalf to secure better salary packages and employment terms, leveraging their connections and expertise. Especially in certain job markets like Japan where nurtured relationships are highly valued, overly-aggressive negotiation often backfires, so having someone with the right approach and a good balance between assertiveness and feasibility will ensure a smooth process.
3. Access to Hidden Opportunities Recruitment agencies often have the inside track on job openings that are not advertised publicly. In fact, many companies prefer to work on specific high-profile roles with agencies over in-house sourcers to find the right talent. This can be due to confidentiality of the position, wanting candidates from competitors, etc. By partnering with an agency, you gain access to these hidden gems, giving you a competitive edge in your job search.
4. Speedier Hiring Process Applying through job portals can often feel like a waiting game, with your application potentially getting buried under countless others. Recruitment agencies, however, have direct access to hiring managers or at least the hiring team and can speed up the process. They provide timely feedback, schedule interviews faster, and handle negotiations on your behalf. This means you can move from application to offer more quickly.
5. Industry Expertise Many applications via job portals may not necessarily go directly to the hiring managers, and intermediaries may lack the technical expertise to fully evaluate your potential. On the other hand, many recruitment agencies specialize in specific industries, giving them deep insights into market trends and skill demands. This expertise allows them to not only offer valuable information on industry trends, salary expectations, and the best career paths for you but also give you the confidence to speak with someone that has a good understanding of your role and skills.
While job portals offer convenience, recruitment agencies provide a level of personalized service and industry insight that can make a real difference in your job search. By choosing to work with the right agency, you’re not just applying for a job; you’re investing in your future.
Reach out to explore how we can advance your career - recruitment@skillhouse.co.jp