You've made the decision. Things aren't quite working out in your current role, whether it's the hours, the travel, the pay; whatever the reason, you know it's time for your next move. This happens to most of us, so you shouldn't feel nervous or guilty about your decision.
One question on your mind is likely to be 'Should I use a recruiter?' You can search the job boards and apply for relevant jobs yourself of course. Still, there are enormous benefits to using an experienced recruitment consultant who knows the Built Environment and the specific sector of it you work in.
9 Ways a Built Environment Recruiter Can Help You
Looking for your next career move can be daunting, especially if you've been in your current job for a long time. It can be tough to try something new or to find a role suitable for you.
As recruiters we'll have spoken with dozens of people in a similar situation to you during our careers, and just as importantly dozens of recruiting managers. We can help you understand what's a sensible approach, what financial packages are on offer and how to get the best role for you to suit your aspirations and current skill set.
As recruiters, we can help in many more ways:
• Market knowledge – we work exclusively in niche areas, whether that be architecture, building services, highways, civil & structural, geotechnical, surveying or construction, we know your discipline and area inside out. We know who the top companies are, who the best employers (and perhaps those who aren't) are, and whether they are looking or not. This can save you a lot of time.
• We can get your CV straight to the hiring manager and then chase them for feedback – this can be the difference between getting an interview or not and will also save you time filling out an application form for each company.
• Recruiters often know who's recruiting before the jobs have been advertised so they can put you forward before the wider job-seeking public. The Construction, Property & Consulting sector is a busy market and often it's easier for recruiting managers to ring a trusted recruiter than it is to write an advert, get it approved internally and wait for responses. We'll also ensure that your CV gets in front of the right person in the quickest possible time
• Choosing the right job to go for – no one likes wasting their time. You don't want to apply for or travel to interviews for jobs that aren't right for you. If you apply directly, you might not realise the fit isn't right until you've spent hours filling in application forms, or worse travelling the country to go to an interview. Recruiters can work with you to decide which roles are right (our live Built Environment jobs are here by the way).
• Interview preparation and coaching – you'll get advice on what to expect at the interview and which areas of your experience you might want to highlight. Your recruiter will help you through it and let you know what the company is looking for in potential employees.
• CV advice – we can help you structure your CV to ensure that your skills shine for a particular role or company. It will maximise your success!
• You may need an advocate – you might be looking at a sideways move, changing sector or relocating. You can communicate a certain amount in your CV and cover letter (we've got advice on that here...), but we can talk to the right people and say what you need to be heard.
• Awkward questions – the advice always suggests you should avoid questions around salary, holiday, sick pay, progression and so on. A significant benefit of working with a recruiter is that they have asked these questions already. They will know the nitty-gritty details of the package and, if not, they can ask these awkward questions impartially without any comeback on you.
• Advice on resigning and counter-offers – it's something you might not expect, but your current employer isn't necessarily going to let you go easily. We'll help you through that and say "no" in the right way and manage what can be a difficult period.
Calibre Search has been servicing the Construction, Property and Consulting industry since 2005 and places hundreds of engineers a year. To speak to an experienced consultant call 0113 234 6047 and our team will point you to the consultant best placed to help
