things recruiters & hiring managers won't tell you

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Things Recruiters & Hiring Managers Won’t Tell You


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Introduction

• Wonder what’s going through the mind of a recruiter when they’re checking out your resume?

• How about the hiring manager as you’re completing the initial phone screen?

• Here’s a look behind-the-scenes at some things these individuals won’t tell you during your job search

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You’re Judged Before the Phone Interview

• Your initial impression upon a recruiter or hiring manager is vital to landing an interview

– What are you being evaluated on?

• Email address (is it appropriate?)

• Overall online presence (any red flags?)

• Social networking profiles (the new resume)

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Communication skills

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An Actual Person May Not See Your Resume

• Many recruiters & hiring managers rely on their applicant tracking system (ATS) to sort qualified resumes with keywords

– Comb through the job description to find keywords that should appear in your resume

– If it doesn’t have the proper keywords, it won’t make it into their hands

5


It’s All About Connections

“If you’re trying to get a job at a specific company, often the best thing to do is to avoid HR entirely. Find someone at the company you know, or go straight to the hiring manager.” Shauna Moerke, HR Administrator & hrminion.com blogger

– Often, the best way to land a new job know someone at the company who can submit your resume or put in a good word for you

– No matter how good your job search documents and qualifications are, it might be the person with the right connections that ultimately gets the job!

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Research is Essential

• Heading into an interview without a clear idea of what the company does will ensure you don’t get the job

– Perform a thorough Google search on the company & hiring manager to formulate thoughtful questions to ask

• Asking “What does your company do?” is not acceptable during an interview!

– Check out the company online newsroom, blog, Facebook page, Twitter profile, and LinkedIn company profile for additional information

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Research is Essential

• You need to know how to pronounce the hiring manager’s name at an interview

– Again, Google is your friend

– Look to the company website, social networking profiles, etc.

– If the name is difficult, try calling the receptionist or front desk to inquire before the interview

• Another tactic: Call after hours and listen to the phone directory

8


Your Appearance Affects Your Opportunity

• How you look when you come in for an interview is the initial face-to-face impression the individual will get of you

• Pay close attention to the following:

– Outfit (Is it appropriate? Professional? Does it fit well?)

– Hairstyle

– Jewelry/Accessories

– Makeup

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Persistence May Not Pay Off

• Calling or emailing multiple times per week is not okay

– Checking in about 3 times total is ideal and confirms that you’re interested

– Contacting the hiring manager too much can get you written off as “annoying” – not something you want in your job search!

• I always recommend checking in once per week for 3 weeks

– If you don’t hear anything back after that, it’s time to move on

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Be Likeable

• Although this may sound like common sense, many job seekers don’t get it

– A hiring manager ultimately hires someone who will fit well in the company culture

• Someone they can get along with

• Someone they see a bit of themselves in

• Someone they like

• Simply being polite, nice & passionate about what you do & the organization itself can get you far

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Be Nice to Everyone

• Throughout the hiring process, it’s not just the hiring manager or recruiter you’ll be dealing with

– You’ll also interact with receptionists, employees & other workers at the company

– Treat them as you would the CEO of the company

– If you don’t, it will get back to the hiring manager & could hurt your chances for a new job

12


Your Resume Doesn’t Have to Be One Page

• Don’t write your resume in 6 point font to make it conform to one page

– It can be 2 pages, maybe even 3, depending on your experience and skills

– It still should be tailored to the company & position

– DO NOT include anything that does not pertain directly to the opportunity at hand

– HOWEVER: If you are an entry-level professional, do keep your resume to 1 page

– For more tips, see “How to Focus Your Job Search Efforts & Land Your Ideal Job in 2011”

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Gaps in Your Resume Can Hurt You

“Once you’re unemployed more than six months, you’re considered pretty much unemployable.”Cynthia Shapiro, a former HR executive & author

– Gaps in your resume raise red flags for employers

• Is it because others thought you were unemployable?

• Were you fired?

– Always attempt to fill gaps between jobs with volunteer positions, additional education, and other opportunities

14


Your Cover Letter Might Not Be Read

“People assume someone’s reading their cover letter. I haven’t read one in 11 years.” HR director at a financial services firm

– Although I always read candidate’s cover letters, not every hiring manager does

– Networking, branding yourself, and having a positive online presence could get your foot in the door at companies like these

15


Say Thank You – But Not Too Soon

• Sending a handwritten thank you note after an interview is considered polite & helps you stand out among other candidates

– Hiring managers say sending a handwritten note the next day may be too early

• Instead, wait a few days to a week

• They’ve likely interviewed other candidates during those few days & your thank you will be a nice reminder of how great you were

16


Forgetting Common Courtesy Can Cost You

• Turn off your phone during an interview

• Let the hiring manager talk – even if they go on and on about a subject

• Don’t talk badly about former employers

• Hiring managers and recruiters are busy

– Canceling an interview at the last minute or missing their phone calls is not something you should do while job seeking

• Don’t badmouth the company you’re applying at on your social networking profiles

17


Watch What You Say During an Interview

• Sharing too much personal information can cost you the job

“I once had a hiring manager who refused to hire someone because the job required her to be on call one weekend a month and she had talked about how much she goes to church.” HR professional at a midsize firm in NC

• Avoid the following topics:

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• Religion• Political views• Age

• Marital/family status• Disability• National origin


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