Recommendations for Job Seekers and Recruiters
August 4, 2011 1 Comment
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.
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