There is nothing more disheartening than the elusive recruiter, especially one you like. You call, you email – nothing. Ouch.
But don’t despair, check that box and move on. (sort of like
dating) Don’t badger them or try and make them feel guilty. “Recruiters are
probably receiving an average of 250 resumes,” points out Ryan Kahn of the
Hired Group. He thinks you should give
them seven to ten days to get back to you and then you can send a gentle
reminder that you’re interested in the position and you’re just following up to
make sure they received your information.
A couple of Ryan’s dos are:
1. Go beyond job boards. Pick 20 companies you like, go to the site and figure out
how to meet one person at this company, you can try emailing them to begin a
conversation, maybe eventually have a coffee. The benefit in this could take
six months when the right job for you comes up.
2. Do
flip the script, instead of asking how they can benefit you? What can you do for
them in the way of contacts? This way you become a facilitator, you’re helping
them.
3. Do use Linkedin, it’s a good way to find people at the companies you like or who
knows whom, this can lead to a contact or a reference.
The bitter truth –
while Kahn responds to everyone, some recruiters are just not that into you
because there’s a job that’ll yield a higher commission that’s more worth their
while.
A talent recruiter at a major
public relations firm suggests that you check in after a week. A good candidate
will ask about timing before leaving the interview. Some of his dos are:
1. Over
prepare for every interview. Research, research. “You’d be surprised how many
come to interviews unprepared.”
2. Tell
the truth, some candidates use a bit of hyperbole – sales numbers go up, wins
are embellished and there’s more “I” than “We”.
3. Do
know when it’s time to move on after due diligence and follow up calls and
still nothing, it’s hard to do but keep going.
4. Do
understand that recruiters are overwhelmed but he says, “There is no excuse for
recruiters to be lazy. We have to make time and put ourselves into candidates
shoes.”
The bitter truth –
When someone doesn’t get back to you, he would take it as a slight but advises
that you cast a wide but selective net so that you don’t become overly consumed
by someone’s lack of professional courtesy.
Good luck and find recruiters who like your shoes enough to
stand in them; maybe it’s all about style after all. (The Manolo Blahnik sale starts today.)
What do you think?
1 comment:
good stuff... i'm just going to cast a net... no follow up calls...unless i get one...
and until i get a job ! and like i said..if i feel one or two is really for me....and i want badly
i'm sending a follow up fedex... with my info.. (gurerilla marketing.101)... we'll see ! keep sending
me this stuff...it helps..thank you !
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