10 Things Recruiters and Hiring Managers Wish You Knew
Are you struggling to land your dream job? Do you feel like your job applications are getting lost in the black hole of online applications? If you answered yes to either of these questions, don’t worry; you’re not alone. The job search process can be frustrating, but there are ways to increase your chances of success.
Recruiters and hiring managers are on the front lines of the hiring process. They review hundreds of resumes, cover letters, and job applications every day. If you want to stand out from the competition, it’s essential to understand what recruiters and hiring managers wish you knew. In this article, we’ll share ten things that can improve your job search success.
Customize Your Resume
One of the most important things you can do is customize your resume for each job application. Recruiters and hiring managers can spot a generic resume from a mile away. Take the time to read the job description and tailor your resume to match the qualifications and requirements listed. If you need help with this, Teal is a quick way to see which keywords need to be in your resume per the job description!
USE A SIMPLE RESUME TEMPLATE
Avoid resumes full of graphics, tables, and fancy fonts. Recruiters have a few seconds to review your resume, so keep it simple, something they can quickly scan. Want my referred resume template? Grab it here.
Include Relevant Keywords
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job opening. Make sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume and cover letter. Every ATS is different, using a tool like JobScan can help you optimize your resume for the top systems that recruiters use, so you don’t have to guess.
Network
Networking is a crucial aspect of the job search process. Once you apply for a position, make sure to reach out to the recruiter if they’re listed as a job poster on LinkedIn. Even if there isn’t a job poster, research the company and try to find someone who works in Human Resources, this can be the Recruiter, HR Coordinator, HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, or People Partner. You can also try to reach out to alumni you went to school with, or worked with in a previous company to help you network your way in.
You may be doing more work this way, but this drastically makes you stand out and increases your chances of an interview! Being proactive in your job search shows companies that you’re willing to do the work to stand out and are truly interested in the position.
Research the Company
Before applying for a job, research the company. Learn about their mission, values, and culture. This information can help you tailor your application and prepare for interviews.
LinkedIn makes it super easy to do research on the company, but you can also find more on Twitter or by Googling the company.
Prepare for Interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation can help ease your nerves. Research common interview questions, practice your responses, and prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer. Showing up for your interview prepared with good questions can make your interview better. If you don’t have any questions, it makes the recruiter feels as though you didn’t prepare or you don’t really care about this position.
Bonus tip: ask the recruiter what they love about working at the company. It will give you insight into the company and give them a chance to talk about themselves, which isn’t something they always get to do!
Follow Up
After submitting an application or attending an interview, don’t forget to follow up. Sending a thank-you email can leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.
By not sending a timely message to everyone who interviewed you, you may. be missing out on the next stages of the interview process, or even the offer! Recruiters and hiring managers look for these emails as a confirmation of your interest.
Make sure you don’t send a generic copy/paste email that you didn’t take the time to write. Reflect back on your interview and mention something you spoke about, or even have follow-up questions about.
Be CURIOUS and Professional
When interacting with recruiters and hiring managers, always be professional. This includes your email and phone communications, as well as your appearance and behavior during interviews. Treat everyone in the interview process as a decision-maker in the process. Even someone at the front desk, who checked you in for the interview or someone who simply scheduled your call could be someone who’s asked to give input on your candidacy!
Be Flexible
Things can get hectic in the recruiting world! If dates and times have to change, even at a moment’s notice, try to remain calm and understanding. Recruiters are usually juggling a lot of duties, and showing compassion will go a long way with them.
Don’t Give Up
Finally, don’t give up. Job searching can be challenging, but perseverance is key. Keep applying, networking, and improving your skills. Sometimes it takes more than one message, more than one interview, and knocking on the same door more than once to get in at your dream company.
Understanding what recruiters and hiring managers wish you knew can significantly improve your job search success. By customizing your resume, including relevant keywords, networking, researching companies, preparing for interviews, following up, being honest and professional, being flexible, and persevering, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Remember, the job search process takes time, patience, and effort. But with these 10 tips, you can stand out from the competition and land your next job opportunity. Good luck!
