How Best to Work with a Recruiter Today Back in the day when job hunting was easier, job seekers had the upper-hand. Whether it was applying directly to a business online or registering with a local staffing firm, oftentimes it was a quick and easy process. Today -- not so much. It's a New World. Businesses that ARE hiring in today's climate are trying to save money wherever possible. Spending budgets have been depleted. The utilization of external recruiters is way down. Simply put, staffing firms are used much less than before. It is a crazy time to be looking for a job. Nothing you don't already know, right? It is possible to beat the odds. Companies are still hiring. And, yes, they are still utilizing staffing firms for certain hires. In order to win in this New World you must be proactive and forward-thinking. Whether you are someone in transition looking for a job or you are someone looking to take the next step, you need to be prepared to win. Market yourself the right way. It starts with a well-written resume and cover letter. This is a must whether you are applying directly to an HR recruiter online or if you are registering with an external recruiter at a local staffing firm. At some point in the process, your resume will be viewed and reviewed. Decisions will be made based off of it. Long story short, make sure your resume is exchange ready for headhunters and visually appealing