Recommendations for Job Seekers and Recruiters

As I mentioned when I wrote about the job offer I accepted, I have some thoughts on the recruiting/hiring process that I want to share.  I certainly am not a licensed expert, but these are recommendations based on multiple articles I’ve read and my personal experiences.

For Job Seekers

• Make a list.  Keep track of what you applied for, you status for the position(s), and when you applied.  Keep each record up to date.
• Do your research.  Know about where you are applying.  Be sure you can explain why you are applying there and for the specific position.
• Send a thank you note.
• Follow-up.  Maybe follow-up again.  But don’t be pushy and be sure to feel out the customs of the company and the recruiter.  This is especially applicable for smaller companies.
• Network, network, network.  Meet people.  Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.  Use your connections, your friends’ connections, etc.  This is incredibly important.
• Use LinkedIn.
• Know your resume.
• Everyone exaggerates.  Make sure you know your limits.  Don’t lie.

For Recruiters/Hiring Managers

• Treat people like people.  I know you have choices in who you hire, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be kind in your communication or your demeanor.
• Send rejection or position closure emails.  As much as it sucks not to get a job, it sucks even more to be left in the dark.  Most recruitment software allows you to do this with the click of a button.  Please click that button.
• Let interviewees know a timeline of when they can expect to hear back about next steps/an offer.  Stick to that timeline.  If you can’t, let the person know.
• Give feedback.  Building a relationship with an unsuccessful candidate now can create a successful candidate later.

Basically, all of this can be summed up as follows: utilize common courtesy.  Keep people in the loop, follow-up – communicate.  It will make the whole process the stressful and more manageable.

This whole process is like a game.  Games are made to be won.  You just have to find the right way to the end of the board.  Everyone is looking for a best mutual fit.  Prove that you are.