Looking at a Resume through Recruiter’s Eyes

Clearly, there is no end to amount of advice offered on resume writing.  However, every day I read resumes that have glaring mistakes.  Not simply grammar or spelling.  There are resume pitfalls that can cause doubt to arise about you.  It may seem unfair.  At the same time, can you really expect a perfect stranger to know how well you fit the job if you’re conveying a different message?

Although there are many who can provide advice on resumes, including professional resume writers, I thought it would be helpful to share a few of the common errors I see.  Check out my latest article at Job-hunt.org to learn more.  Feel free to add your own advice by commenting on this article within my blog.

Article:  What Recruiters Want to Find on Your Resume

Common Misconceptions about Working with Agency Recruiters

In this article written for Job-Hunt.org, I cover five popular misconceptions about working with agency recruiters.  The article also references several links that may be helpful in understanding how this process works and what to expect.  These misconceptions include:

• Recruiters will find me a job.
• All recruiters are the same.
• Recruiters are career counselors.
• Apply for all the jobs the recruiter has listed.
• All I need is a simple LinkedIn profile and the recruiters will be banging on my door.

If you’ve never worked with a recruiter before, this article is a “must read.”

Article: Working with Agency Recruiters

Compassionate HR podcast with Margo Rose

Today I had the opportunity to be a part of Margo Rose’s Compassionate HR program.  She has periodic podcasts focused on helping job seekers, business owners, and recruiters.  The recorded episode is available on her BlogTalkRadio channel–click this link and scroll to the 12/8/2011 timeframe in the index to find my podcast.

We covered topics such as:

• How I got into recruiting.
• How the economy has effected the industry.
• What job seekers can learn from recruiters.
• What is the most appropriate way for job seekers to market themselves to recruiters in their industry.
• Anticipated accomplishments in 2012, both professionally and personally (Margo is a cyclist and couldn’t help asking me about my cycling goals)

If you have a question stemming from the podcast, leave a comment on this blog, and I’ll do my best to answer it.

Communication is a Key When Working with Recruiters

I have stated many times that external recruiters can be helpful to you even though you do not pay them. I know this may seem counterintuitive, but the reality is, they cannot do their job without you. Even so, many job seekers keep them in the dark about their job situation or requirements.  It is important to realize, it is hard for a recruiter to do their job well (on your behalf) when they are unsure of your specifics.  Take a look at my latest article for job-hunt.org for more details on this tedious balancing act.

Article:  Keeping the External Recruiter Informed

Are You Positive You Want This Job?

Have you noticed I’m on a little bit of a rant lately with my posts about job seekers.  I absolutely hate to pick on them as their job is so difficult and I don’t expect them to be experts.  After all, if they were experts at job searching and interviewing, that would imply they do it often (not a good indicator of a loyal employee).

But, some recent events have prompted me to identify more pitfalls job seekers fall into.  Practically on a daily basis from my perspective.  If you are applying for jobs, talking with recruiters, or interviewing, please read my latest article for AOL.

Article:  Are You Sure You Want This Job?

Remember Job Seekers: You Are a Community

When in the job search, you can often feel isolated.  After all, you are the CEO of Find-A-New-Job, Inc.  No one is going to be more responsible for the search than you.  I’ve blogged about this before, but it bears repeating:  Although you are in charge of the search, make sure you leverage all your resources.

Also keep in mind, you are part of a bigger community.  There are many who have learned some hard lessons about the job search or who have coached those of us in it.  You need to take advantage of that network of knowledge to ensure you’re doing everything you can to land a great job.

One such community is Margo Rose’s HireFriday Twitter Group.  I recently took part in their weekly on-line discussion and there was plenty of good ideas and advice shared with job seekers.

Take a look at my latest article for AOL to see some of this conversation and get connected to #HFChat and #HireFriday on Twitter for more details:

Article:  The Job Search Expert is YOU!

 

Related past article:  Recruiters Can Be a Job Seeker’s Best Friend

You’re Only Human … and So Are Interviewers

You likely have heard that interviewing is like dating. Or interviewing is a complex dance with lots of steps. The translation: Interviewing is a unique conversation where there seem to be many rules and traps that could lead to failure. You can interview almost perfectly and still not get the job. So this prompts the question:  If I’m a superstar on paper and meet all the requirements, why didn’t they hire me?  Perhaps, it was the other major requirement:  Because the boss has to LIKE you.

Read more on this reality in interviewing in my latest article for AOL:

Article:  You’re Only Human … and so Are Interviewers

Don’t Regift Your Talents

We’ve all been through the drill after the holidays. All the presents are unwrapped, scrutinized, and then some are….returned. Or regifted. Certainly if a gift can find a better home, you should send it on to its rightful owner. The gift-giver took their best shot at predicting what you might like and missed. No harm, no foul. Although, if we don’t like the gift, how likely is it that someone else will?

In the job search, you need to be careful about regifting yourself. This means to be selective about how you present yourself and to whom.  Find out more about this in this short article I wrote for AOL.

Article: It’s Alright to Regift Presents, But Not Your Talents

Are Your Recruiters Naughty or Nice?

In any profession, there are good representatives and not-so-good ones.  Recruiters are no different.  As job seekers, first you need to understand how to work with recruiters and what they do.  Then you must find the ones who can offer the right connections to job opportunities.  As employers, one must find the recruiters who fit your business culture and who are experts at the type of positions who often hire. 

Once you find the best ones, you should maintain a long-term relationship with them.  Although recruiters deal with hundreds of people every year, there are always some special candidates who stay close to top of a recruiter’s list of A-List Candidates.  And there are certain clients who recruiters suggest new talent to when they feel there is a fit (even when there may not be an open position yet).

This is a perfect time of year to strengthen or rekindle a relationship with a recruiter.  Read my latest article for Job-Hunt.org and find out how to do it right.  Hopefully, you have a few on your “Nice List.”

Article: Are Recruiters on Your Holiday Card List?

Related Past Article: Recruiters Can Be a Job Seeker’s Best Friend

Do Your New Colleagues Make More Than You?

Salary is one of the most sensitive topics when speaking with potential employers.  Most people realize the interviewing stage is the last time you’ll probably have influence on the amount of your salary. Once hired, your salary is dictated by policy coupled with company and individual performance.

Although this is a common fact, many job seekers lose sight of this during the critical stages of landing the job. The might find out later they are paid less than colleagues in similar positions. The key to avoiding this fate is to be armed with information and be able to sell the value you bring.  More on this topic is covered in my latest article for AOL:

Article:  The Best Time to Negotiate Salary is Before You Land the Job