Unfortunately, many job seekers are misinformed about why and how they should be working with recruiters, and their incorrect perceptions are costing them opportunities that could make their careers more rewarding.

First and foremost, let’s clear up this misconception: just because you’re presented to a company by a recruiter—and the company will owe a fee to that recruiter if it hires you—does NOT mean the company will offer you a lower salary or pay rate to offset the cost of the recruiting fee.

Job seekers who have this mindset are reluctant to work with a recruiter, and ultimately, that can hamper their efforts to grow their career. Even those willing to work with recruiters often view them as a “necessary evil,” somebody you have to “put up with” to get where you want to go.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, recruiters are a necessary resource for those candidates who want to maximize their job search and ensure that they’re not missing out on any opportunities for growth, advancement, and satisfaction.

So, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, what can a recruiter do for ME?”  That’s a fair question, and we just happen to have seven answers:

1. Recruiters have access to opportunities that aren’t advertised through traditional means, such as online job boards.
2. Recruiters already have a relationship with company officials who will ultimately decide which candidate receives an offer of employment and which ones don’t.
3. Recruiters have extensive information about the job opening and the company, information they will share with you so that you can make the best decision regarding your career.
4. Recruiters have the ability and leverage to help you negotiate the best salary, benefits, and compensation package possible.
5. Recruiters have knowledge about trends in the marketplace, including which companies are growing and which ones are not.
6. Recruiters will communicate with you throughout the entire interviewing and hiring process, so that you know what to expect during this important time in your career (and life).
7. Recruiters have already placed candidates at the companies for which you want to work the most.

As you can see, recruiters offer a lot more than what the average job seeker believes they offer. A knowledgeable recruiter with experience and industry connections can mean the difference between landing the job of your dreams and coming up empty.

Recruiters are not a “necessary evil.” They’re a necessary resource for anybody wanting to make the most of their job search and give themselves every advantage in the job market.