Whether you are in a job you enjoy, in one you see as a stepping stone, or unemployed, seeking another job can be tedious and time-consuming, especially if your current job is demanding or you have other responsibilities such as family. You need to confirm your resume is up to date with all your accomplishments, submit it to various companies, coordinate, make connections as needed, and follow up. So, wouldn’t it be convenient if a recruiter came to you to help promote you to a potential employer? Below are four ways you can make yourself more attractive to recruiters and increase your chances of getting hired for the job that you always wanted.
1. Be Sharp
If you want to be successful, you need to be ready when a recruiter contacts you. Make sure that your resume is up to date and that your LinkedIn profile is current as well. Researching the company will also give you information to use in any questions or conversation that may come up in the interview process. Whether it be the recruiter, a hiring manager, or someone from human resources, they will be impressed that you know the background, achievements, products and goals of their company. Have a professional profile picture. Look sharp…. be sharp.
2. Make Connections and Build Your Network
You will never be found by a recruiter and offered employment if you are not visible. If you’re serious about finding a new job, climbing up the ladder, etc. you need to make yourself “open to work” on Linkedin. You need to get out there and make connections with recruiters themselves and people who work for the company you wish to work for. Making yourself open to work will open the communication channels to see what is out there in the market. Join groups and associations.
Show employers that you are interested and personable by asking questions about their role, personnel, company goals, and their future growth plans. As mentioned in the previous section, LinkedIn is an effective social media platform where professionals can connect and network. It is a great way to be found and to find people you can reach out to or who will know who you need to connect with. Utilizing this platform will allow you to see who you need to connect with, and if you have already made the connection, it gives the recruiter an opportunity to get more information on you.
Recruiters and management want a team player who can get along with others. Successful networking demonstrates this. Many people have reservations about making themselves “open to work” out of fear that their current employer will see it and start looking for your replacement. This is a false notion though, making yourself open to work, and adding titles that are a step above you, shows ambition and drive. It’s almost natural that a regional sales manager would want to become a national sales manager. Making yourself open to work can accelerate this process.
3. Stand Out From Other Candidates
As expected, recruiters look at many potential candidates and plenty of resumes and Linkedin profiles. You need to take steps to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by recruiters. Most people expect to be recruited for a job by submitting their resume and taking no further action. If you submit a resume to a recruiter, take the initiative to follow up and express your ongoing interest in working for the company. Submit your resume in a timely fashion to the recruiter, as timing is everything in the world of changing jobs. Share your contact information immediately and request a specific time to speak.
After an interview, thank the interviewer for their time with a professional and classy email. You will be remembered more than others if you keep in touch.
Making your resume stand out is imperative as well. Do little things to stand out from the pack. Being different will help you get noticed and could get you hired. Recruiters are rarely hired to find fillers and average workers. If a recruiter contacts you, you better believe you’re not the only one they’re talking to. Play to your strengths and make them known. Have a headline on Linkedin that stands out, create a professional summary of your career (don’t leave this section blank) and make sure you have details and accomplishments listed for each job you’ve held. Treat Linkedin like a resume…because it is and fill it out as much as possible and don’t sell yourself short. You need to stand out.
4. Follow Directions and Build Relationships
Recruiters are very pressed for time, so you must impress them also. Don’t make your recruiter “chase” you because they typically won’t. Do not be late for an interview, as this usually results in a candidate being removed from consideration. No recruiter wants to have this happen, keep your commitments. If they ask you to submit a resume, craft it to the specific role and company you are applying for. Match your skills that align with skills employers want.
Never forget that you are always up against other candidates who are likely doing their best to appeal to recruiters. Therefore, you need to do the same, or else you could find yourself on the losing end of the hiring process. Build a relationship with your recruiter as if the current role isn’t a fit, they will come back to you when they have a role that does.
If you are looking for a new opportunity and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Chris Salvadore
Director Corporate Accounts and Research
csalvadore@grncoastal.com
