Many job seekers are rethinking their recruiter strategy. Recruiters are not dusting off their telephone and job candidate files now that the job market is rebounding. To the contrary, they have remained busy throughout the downturn. Even during the market lows, human resource departments were calling up recruiters and asking them to fill a skills deficit. Always remember that despite the economic crisis there are companies crying out for all kinds of talent.

A sound strategy when approaching recruiters is to strategically target the skills shortage.

Conduct market research and match your skills up with the skills shortage
Research and seek out specialist recruiters
Consider looking at work internationally where there may be greater interest in your skills
Establish a very clear understanding of what sectors and positions you want to target
Look for specialized, industry-specific websites and job boards relevant to the areas you specify
Ensure your resume is complete and accurate. The summer job in water quality engineering may have been 10 years ago. If you have done your homework, you will know that recruiters will scan your resume for “water quality engineer” to staff the water quality projects receiving billions of dollars in government investment. Consider adding a “key skills” list to your resume; it’s a chance not only to list skills you have obtained with work experience but even the ones you developed on your own.