Are you frustrated with companies and recruiters not staying in touch? Do you feel that when you apply for a job, you end up in some other world where communication doesn't exist? We at Superior Search understand your frustration. As a matter of fact, we've felt that same way on occasion ourselves. Over the last 2+ decades we've developed a process in working with candidates that creates results. Whether those results include working with a recruiter or not...this system of finding a job works. Follow it and you'll see.
Expectations Phase
You have to understand exactly what to expect when you engage with a recruiter. Are they presenting you for one or more opportunities they are trying to fill? Are they going to represent you in the marketplace and be the point person in helping you find your dream job...are they going to be your Agent? Are they going to consult and offer advice to assist you in finding a job on your own? Understanding the role of your recruiter is critical in making sure misunderstandings don't forever ruin the relationship. Here are some key things to qualify when looking for a job and assuring you've created the proper expectations:
Ready --> Aim --> Fire -- This should be the order of activity in your job search process.
Ready yourself for the search by making sure your brand is clean. How you represent yourself on social media, in writing (your resume), over the phone and in person will determine if you get a look. Once you get your foot in the door, it's up to you to further impress that you should be the person chosen for the job. Here are some tips on how to clean up your brand:
Working with recruiters is a little different. Due your due diligence. Not all recruiters are created equal. 8 out of every 10 recruiters aren't worth giving 10 minutes of time to. Honesty is critical. If you do work with a recruiter, make sure that you understand what to expect from them throughout the process. They should be as interested in making sure the opportunity is a fit for you as they are in you being a fit for their client.
Expectations Phase
You have to understand exactly what to expect when you engage with a recruiter. Are they presenting you for one or more opportunities they are trying to fill? Are they going to represent you in the marketplace and be the point person in helping you find your dream job...are they going to be your Agent? Are they going to consult and offer advice to assist you in finding a job on your own? Understanding the role of your recruiter is critical in making sure misunderstandings don't forever ruin the relationship. Here are some key things to qualify when looking for a job and assuring you've created the proper expectations:
- Does the recruiter know your wants and needs?
- Is communication a non-negotiable aspect of their process?
- If approaching a company directly about an opening, are you dealing with the person you would report to for the position?
- Is there anything on social media that would work against you in your search?
Ready --> Aim --> Fire -- This should be the order of activity in your job search process.
Ready yourself for the search by making sure your brand is clean. How you represent yourself on social media, in writing (your resume), over the phone and in person will determine if you get a look. Once you get your foot in the door, it's up to you to further impress that you should be the person chosen for the job. Here are some tips on how to clean up your brand:
- Have professional pictures on your social media accounts. Keg stands, Halloween costumes, your favorite rock band or pet won't cut it. People look at pictures. Make sure yours tell the right story.
- Update your resume. Don't wait until someone asks for it, have it ready to go.
- If you don't have the wardrobe to interview, go get it. Again, don't wait until the last second.
- Do some research. Find out what companies are hiring and/or could use someone with your skill set, experience and track record.
- Find out who your boss would be at each of those companies.
- Spruce up your resume. Think about this: Hiring managers know what you do day in and day out. What they don't know is how well you do it, who you do it for and how to get you on their team doing it for them. Go back through your career and add "quantifiable accomplishments" to your resume. IT WILL SET YOU APART.
- Create your personal Elevator Speech. Imagine if you had 60 seconds of uninterrupted time with the hiring manager you want to work for...what would you say? How could you get that person to commit to a meeting? Be prepared with something compelling.
- BY THE WAY...STOP SENDING YOUR RESUME IN RESPONSE TO JOB POSTINGS! Out of every 100 candidates who reply to a job posting, the vast majority are SCREENED OUT NOT IN.
- Connect with them via social media (LinkedIn is a great networking tool).
- Once connected, ask for an appointment to speak further about being a part of their organization. More specifically, ask to meet to discuss how you can positively impact their organization based on your experience and track record.
- "Bill, I would love to have the opportunity to show how my experience and track record for increasing sales and profitability could positively impact your organization. When do you have 15 minutes to allow me to buy you a cup of coffee?"
- When you call or meet, be prepared to ask good questions that will allow you to answer in a way that hits their hot buttons.
- "Bill, what are the most important factors in a persons background, experience and track record that would translate into success in this role for you?"
- Close the deal. If you're in an initial interview, ask for the next. If you're in a final interview, ask for the job.
- Thank you goes a long way. Follow up after the interview and say thanks. Let them know you appreciated their time, you are interested in the job, you are qualified to have a positive impact and that you look forward to the next step.
- KEEP REPEATING UNTIL YOU LAND YOUR DREAM JOB!
Working with recruiters is a little different. Due your due diligence. Not all recruiters are created equal. 8 out of every 10 recruiters aren't worth giving 10 minutes of time to. Honesty is critical. If you do work with a recruiter, make sure that you understand what to expect from them throughout the process. They should be as interested in making sure the opportunity is a fit for you as they are in you being a fit for their client.