I had an external recruiter contact me for a position at big-tech-giant, but if was really going to apply for it, why wouldn't I just apply at their careers page? Or email a former co-worker who works at big-tech-giant and ask to be hooked up with a recruiter?
I'm curious, what are the upsides to working with an external recruiter?
A recruiter can control the process better than an applicant can, and they prepare you for every interview, and (try to) influence the process by selling in your advantages after the interview.
They’re also often in contact with the hiring manager instead of the HR person.
Those might be reasons to work with them, but there’s also a good amount of reasons why it’s not a great idea
My experience has been that this is largely a black hole.
> Or email a former co-worker who works at big-tech-giant and ask to be hooked up with a recruiter?
Great plan, if you have former co-workers at companies you want to work for.