Candidates: Recruiters Need Your Help

I speak for many recruiters when I say, most resumes do not tell us what we need to know. Specifically, most candidates list companies and titles, but do not describe what the company does and who their clients are. Without that information, we can't relate the responsibilities and achievements to current clients needs that we are trying to fill. My advice is to assume that the reader of your resume does not know who your company is, what your products or services are, and the markets in which your company participates. Be very clear on all of these, and also stay away from industry acronyms or buzz words. You can tell that this is a pet-peeve of mine and of many search professionals.

Hope is in the Air

Spring is fast approaching and people's attitudes in general are rising and thinking more positively. You need to take that same attitude and be confident in your abilities and what you can bring to a new employer. Whenever you interview or talk to a prospective employer, always take the attitude that you bring a lot of value to their organization. The way you feel about yourself will have a great impact on the impression you make in being evaluated for a new opportunity. The phrase "attitude produces altitude" has been around a long time, but is as true as it's ever been. Some employer will see your value, but it will only happen if you see it yourself.

Link Up to LinkedIn

I have found LinkedIn to be a very good tool to both find and network with candidates and people in a particular industry. It's also great to find old business contacts, old friends, and most importantly, names of hiring managers at particular companies. Depending upon level of subscription you have, you would be able to send them a message telling that hiring manager about yourself. LinkedIn also gives you the ability to build your own network of contacts in your industry. Networking has been proven to be the most effective way to search for and acquire a job. Learn how to used LinkedIn, use it, and you will be surprised of the many ways it will help you connect with people that could possibly help you professionally and personally.

Likes and Dislikes

When you think about your current job as well as jobs you've had in the past, write down a list describing what you liked the best from those positions. Then, write a similar list for what you disliked most about the positions you've had. It is good to refer to these lists when you consider applying or interviewing for a new position. Ask youself, "Does the job line up with my likes and dislikes?"

Don't Be Fooled

Not all open positions at a company are displayed or identified on the company's website. This is the case because the company wants that information to stay confidential or a person who is currently in that position is not performing to the company's satisfaction. Therefore, if you bring a skill set or background that you feel is a good fit for that company, I would encourage you to send in your resume with an attached note. The note should explain the success and experience you bring that match up with their company's product and market focus. Make sure you express your particular interest in their company. You might be surprised that there is an open job that might fit you.

Return the Call

If you get a message from a recruiter explaining a position in a very professional and thorough manner, make sure that you return the call...even if you are not presently looking for a position. Quality recruiters should be contacts that you maintain for the time when you might be looking for that next career move. Developing a relationship with a good recruiter assures you that you will be kept informed of attractive opportunities that fit your background and experience. So don't forget to call them back!

Positive Thoughts

It's always good to remind yourself of the positive attributes that you can bring to a company and to a position. Write down the strength that you think you bring in your current position and add as many thoughts to that list as you can. When you apply for a new position, have this list available to refer to and bring out these "positives" as it relates to the position you are applying for. In summary, STAY POSITIVE.

An Important Resume "Do"

When describing the positions you've had, it is very important that you describe what your company does, and what type of clients they deal with. Your resume will read more effectively if you clearly state the responsibilities of your position and how that relates to what the company does. This sounds rather logical, but in reality, most resumes do not follow this advice.

Assume that the reader (recruiter, hiring manager, HR) knows nothing about your company and what they do. You need to clearly illustrate the connection between your experience and the requirements or duties of the positions you are applying for. Describing your company and what they do will help you accomplish that.