Constantly looking at the job search process from the point of view of a candidate is understandable when you are one, but this can sometimes make you oblivious to how the process is viewed from the other side, that of the recruiter. If you can successfully take a step back and see things from a recruiter’s point of view, you may be able to learn some things that could help make your job search more successful. Don’t worry if you struggle to do that though, we are here to help, so here are 3 things recruiters wish you knew about the job search process.
Being too early can be just as bad as being late
When you get invited for an interview everything else takes a back seat. Preparing yourself both mentally and psychologically takes up the whole day, maybe even the week if you conduct thorough research and preparation, nothing else matters. You have to realise this isn’t the case for recruiters however.
Recruiters are very busy people, your interview will just be the tip of the mountain of work they have to complete in a day. As such, the interview time you have been given is a small, well-defined portion of time, which fits tightly into the recruiter’s busy daily programme. This means that arriving to your interview too early can throw the recruiter off schedule as they rush to complete work they wanted to get done before you arrived. You have to be mindful of this fact as it can lead to the recruiter having a negative opinion of you right out of the gate, before you have even met.
A little research goes a long way
Other than looking over your CV and Cover Letter, you can bet the recruiter that will be interviewing you has done their homework, and researched you a little more in depth. As such, it isn’t too much to expect candidates to also do a little research on the company they are interviewing for, yet you’d be surprised at how many applicants turn up completely unprepared.
Not doing adequate research shows a lack of interest in, and passion for, the role and company in question, and will make a recruiter feel as if they are wasting their time interviewing you. If you didn’t have the foresight to prepare yourself for the interview, study up on the company, its current direction, and goals moving forward, how can you expect to champion yourself as a good fit? Also, questions. Having questions to ask is a very good thing, something recruiters notice and appreciate, and if you haven’t done your research, how will you know what to ask?
A small “thank you” can mean a lot
At the end of an interview, when both parties have finished with their questions, and you are getting ready to leave, a firm handshake and a simple “thank you for taking the time to see me” can go a long way.
It can be difficult to keep sight of when you have been drowning in the job search process for a fair amount of time with little success, but recruiters are people too. By thanking them for their time you are showing an understanding of their busy schedule and all the work they do, as well as demonstrating appreciation for taking time out of their day to meet with you. On top of that, sending a follow up thank you email the next day reaffirming your interest in the role, and how you think you are a good fit for the company, will keep a recruiter’s positive impression of you at the forefront of their minds.
A long, drawn out job search can take its toll on the best of us, but it’s always worth remembering that you are not alone. Analysing the process from a recruiter’s point of view could give you tips that may prove to be the difference between success and failure in your job search, sounds like it’s worth looking into doesn’t it?
