We virtually interviewed Lisa Wickham, a Recruiting Manager or “Jobs Matchmaker” with The Creative Group in Austin to answer our questions about using a recruiting company, and what that process looks like. The Creative Group is a boutique division of Robert Half, which is the world’s largest specialized staffing firm. They work with talent nationally and staff for marketing, advertising, design, and communications positions on a freelance, contract as well as direct-hire (full-time permanent) basis. Lisa’s team’s focus is on the Austin and San Antonio markets.

1. What are the benefits of using The Creative Group vs job hunting on your own?

The Creative Group works with hundreds of companies across Austin. From small to mid-sized companies to some of the largest. By working with us, we can provide you with behind-the-scenes details on our clients so you can truly understand their culture and what they’re looking for outside of a posted job description. We are privy upfront to key info including salary, core skill sets and team dynamics so can help “perfect match” to both parties’ interest. If your background is the right fit, we can also get you front and center by presenting you directly to our clients to stand apart from a mass of online applicants.

2. What do you consider to be the main advantages of using a recruiting service?

At a minimum, a Recruiter can provide job market intel, potentially specifics on a company you have a “crush” on, or provide a resume review at no charge. The main advantage of working with a staffing agency is that we can provide you with information you would not otherwise be able to find about a company since we work directly with the hiring managers. Our clients expect us to have prescreened for the right fit, so candidates we send over to them get a priority look.

3. Is there a charge for using a recruiter/recruiting company?

There is no charge to candidates – so anyone who is looking for a job or interested in exploring new career opportunities. Our clients pay our fees after we place employees with them.  

4. What does the process of signing up with a recruiting service like yours look like?

There are a few ways to sign up. We post open jobs on our company’s website: www.roberthalf.com/jobs. You can search those and register with us through our site. You can also directly reach out to a Recruiter in your market by calling into that local office…or connecting with a Recruiter via LinkedIn! After you’ve connected with a Recruiter, they’ll set up a pre-screen phone call. Depending on if we have an open role immediately for you…or if you have a core skill set we place, we’ll then schedule a face-to-face meeting (over coffee, lunch, you visit our office…or these days we’re doing a lot of “virtual coffees” over video).

5. What are the key ways to have your resume stand out?

Whether you are searching for a freelance or permanent role, having your resume stand out is key. A Recruiter or hiring manager may only spend 10 seconds on a resume before they move on to the next. You’ll also want your resume to be in an ATS-friendly format so it’s easily scanned for keywords if uploaded. We offer resume reviews as a no-charge service to our candidates. Your LinkedIn profile is also your online “digital resume”, so be sure that’s up-to-date and detailed as well. For creative and development roles, you’ll want a portfolio that is easy to navigate and showcases your best work.

6. What does the day to day look like for someone using a recruiter?

While we wish we could speak to everyone, it’s just not possible for us and if we can, it might be limited to a pre-screen phone call so we can keep you in mind for opportunities. If we do have a role match for you, and you interview with our client, we will prepare you ahead of time. We also will debrief with you after every interview round to ensure it’s still a match. For freelance/contract roles, you will be an employee of The Creative Group and paid on W2 basis with benefits. For full-time, permanent positions, you’ll be hired directly by our clients and will be an employee of theirs. We also continue to check in with you after you’ve been placed in a role to ensure onboarding goes smoothly.

7. What are some misconceptions people have about using a recruiter?

 Some misconceptions about using a Recruiter might be that some candidates think we will definitely have a role available for them right away. We may not always have a perfect match role immediately available. I once staffed a candidate six months later in a role. A partnership with a Recruiter is a communication two-way street, if you haven’t heard from your Recruiter in a while and are still on the job hunt, definitely reach back out! Also, for the vast majority of our roles, our clients are typically looking for someone with 2+ years’ experience in their field. We’re typically not the best resource for entry-level positions or career transitions.

8.  How would you describe the Austin creative market to someone who just moved here?

Austin is a city like no other! It’s consistently ranked as one of the “best cities to live” and folks from all over are flocking here for the relatively lower cost of living (compared to larger cities), music scene, nature, and, of course, Tex Mex! For creative and marketing professionals, there’s a mix of agency and in-house career opportunities. While Austin is a digital tech hub in its own right, there’s also a variety of industries here.

9.  Do you have any additional notes or advice for anyone currently on the job hunt?

Networking is key. Talking to a Recruiter is one step. Joining networking groups and meeting new connections is also important. Someone who’s in a type of role you’re interested in or working at a company you like, may be able to do an “informational” interview with you. For new graduates, having some kind of “real world” experience…through an internship or freelance project…is critical. Most of all, don’t give up. Finding a job can feel like a job in itself. Don’t get discouraged as the next door that opens may be the door that was meant for you.

To connect with The Creative Group and explore what all they have to offer, check out their website or their socials on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, and Youtube!