In a previous post I attempted to explain that recruiters are beholden to their clients, largely because clients pay their bills. That said, I feel I need to offer some pointers in how to get an even amount of attention since as a candidate, you are the one who will be doing the work, and where you apply your talents does matter.
- A solid resume. There are probably tens of thousands of articles and workshops on how to write a resume. But if in doubt, take a look at the best resumes (with comparable backgrounds) that you can find online. Understand that most recruiters either don’t have much time to read long resumes (no one should have one longer than two pages), and these days, there’s a likelihood that software is used to scan your resume for the most appropriate vocabulary to the opening he or she has. Fundamentally, a resume has only one purpose, to gain you a conversation with someone that can cause you to be hired. Giving your resume to a recruiter is giving him or her the best ammunition possible to make that happen.
- Follow-up. If it looks like you’re suitable, don’t hesitate to find an opportunity to ask additional questions (either by email, or on the phone). There’s a strong chance that you didn’t get to ask, or the recruiter never got to mention, further details that might make you more compelling as a candidate. Be accessible. Be engaging in a way that makes your recruiter want to push hard to get interviews for you. Further, through additional conversations you may be able to better expand on some of your answers with regards to the technical requirements of potential openings.
- Homework. A recruiter might be handling a dozen job orders on any given day, and while it’s expected that recruiters know their clients from top to bottom, there’s a limit to how much information can be retained. If you’re truly interested in spending a serious amount of time working for a new company, it’s worth it to research that company and then research it some more. If you get through two rounds of research, that’s wonderful. Now research it some more. Knowing what is going on (through whatever means possible) within the firm, and perhaps within the group you’ll be working with, exponentially improves your odds when explaining to either your recruiter, or later in an interview why you’re perfect for the position.
Remember the recruiter (Your Recruiter) will only pay his or her bills if he is able to persuade his client to hire one of his candidates. Your role is to be considered his best hope to make that happen.