Today so much of the job search advice circulating the web can be negative and depressing. With topics like “Things Recruiters Hate…” or “How to Turn Off a Recruiter…” it can be a little intimidating to candidates. Why is that? Finding a job can be challenging for sure, but it’s not a death march. Why treat it as such? Instead of highlighting all the negative things job seekers do, we thought we would feature some of the many things job seekers do that we LOVE!
- Enthusiasm: I had one candidate I met early on in my career, and I recall her enthusiasm for a position being intense at first but by no means off-putting. It was…refreshing! It made her stand out among her competition in a good way. Why? Because it was clear that she wanted the job! Take the time when you meet a recruiter to be enthusiastic about a position you’re applying for or about your situation in general. This is something that is infectious, and most recruiters can’t get enough of. Being enthusiastic in all things while looking for a job will definitely increase your success of finding the right fit for you!
- A Well-Thought-Out/Organized Resume: Your resume is your voice. Make it stand out! Recruiters love nothing more than identifying a resume that fits a job description. So how does a job seeker achieve this? Simply by taking the time to modify their resume and highlight skills that match job description. I can remember instantly some of the most impressive resumes I read were those that the candidate truly took the time to emphasize their work history to the job. Try putting yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes and think about what they want in that position. If you know you’re the right fit, make sure your resume conveys it. A resume often is the only chance a job seeker will have to attract a recruiter’s interest.
- Timeliness: How do you rise ahead of the competition in a job search? Well, recruiters adore candidates who are timely in their response. If a recruiter is evaluating multiple job seekers for a position, chances are he/she will remember the ones that promptly responded in a professional manner and move them to the head of the candidates (provided, they have the right qualifications.) Can it really be that simple? Yes, it can and it is!
- Preparation: We’ve covered enthusiasm, timeliness and a well-thought-out resume, but let’s talk about being prepared. Recruiters love it when candidates are overly prepared when being interviewed via phone or in person. That means practicing how you’d respond to questions about your resume, skills or potential behavioral questions. Have a trusted friend quiz you on the job and your background. Taking the time to go through a “practice” interview is a simple, yet effective tool that truly makes a candidate shine. Be prepared as much as possible, and you’ll stand a better chance at being chosen.
- Professional Courtesy: Make a lasting impression with a final thank you to those you met with is something recruiters/hiring managers just love. Taking the extra step to ensure your personal brand is memorable, even if you don’t get an offer is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Recruiters have exceptional memories for professional courtesies, and in most cases will recall prompt and professional candidates for future opportunities.
Implementing these awesome strategies can really help step up your game and get you noticed. This February, don’t just go through motions during your job search. Show your recruiters and hiring managers some love and get noticed!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Ingrid Moore
Ingrid Moore is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Resources of Illinois, an employment & staffing agency with over 20+years’ experience located in Schaumburg, IL. Ingrid and her team assist employers with finding the right hire for their business. For more info, follow us on our LinkedIn Company Page, or follow us Corporate Resources of Illinois‘s Google+ page.
