Monday, June 30, 2014

THE JOB HUNT: DOS, DON’TS, AND THE BITTER TRUTH.

 
  

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:

Anonymous said...

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 !