What Recruiters are Looking For
I recently attended an event at which three recruiters from large companies told us what they are looking for in potential recruits. It was interesting. Verrry interesting! Here are some of the things I learned [peppered with my own HINTS]:
1) When a company posts an opening they usually get 300 or more applicants. Thus, the ONLY way they can sort through them all is to use some kind of software. If your resume doesn’t exactly fit the job posting, it probably won’t make it through the initial screening. [HINT: If you are going to apply for an online posting, be sure your resume fits as closely as possible with the job description in the posting -- and NEVER lie about your experience!]
2) They KNOW this process probably causes them to screen out a dozen of candidates who are more qualified than the ones they are actually interviewing, but they simply have no choice. [HINT: Get to the recruiter BEFORE they put the posting online -- we have some helpful ways to do that!]
3) Recruiters would rather see their job as a strategic effort of the organization, than simply a “position filling” service. In that regard, the BEST recruiters are looking to fill positions down the line as well ad the one in front of them. [HINT: help the recruiter see how you have potential to get promoted within their organization, as well as how you can do the current job for which they are interviewing.]
As an MIM student, it would seem that the application process is as much an opportunity as it is a challenge.
The amount of time researching how to apply is weighted strongly against simply finding the job listing. I look forward to learning the skills it takes to ‘reach’ the recruiter early and how to present my skills as the best choice in the applicant pool.
Comment by edward reed — August 20, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
As an MIM student it would seem that net-working is a big opportunity in the job hiring process. With a stack of grad school resumes in the mix, the odds against against me distinguishing myself are, indeed, daunting. If I correctly research the hiring firm and personally deliver my resume into the right hands it seems a win-win situation (except for other applicants who did not prepare better). The more I thought about the process, the more I believe heightened competition for a job could advantage could be a strategic advantage.
Comment by edward reed — August 20, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
I think the problem with avoiding #1 is to focus on #2. But the main question I asked myself when I read it was, “How can I find out about positions before they are posted?” The only answer I could think of, besides extensive research, was to build a network in that field. Which I think can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting out.
Comment by Jeremy — August 23, 2007 @ 9:12 am
Great Blog. I think the recruitment process can seem pretty overwhelming. These tips and hints are very helpful. I’m excited to see how Sean’s classes can help make our future career searching more effective. What I would like to know is how does one even get to a recruiter when searching for a career. I guess the questions will be answered in the classes.
Matt James
Comment by Matt James — August 23, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
I have heard that over 50 percent of all resumes contain false information. There are places like fakeresume.com that will write a fake resume complete with references for you. They even have information where you can get fake advanced degrees from top schools. How will being honest help us land jobs when everyone else is dishonest?
Comment by Travis — August 24, 2007 @ 10:16 am
While I do agree that there is some dishonesty out there, I don’t think “everyone else” is like that. And I think that one is better off being honest, even if that means a longer search process… :)
Livia
Comment by Anonymous — August 24, 2007 @ 8:17 pm