Monday, March 31, 2008

Recruiting Etiquette-->Remembering the Golden Rule

The golden rule "treat others as you would like to be treated" so simple yet so vastly complex.   Here are what I consider the GOLDEN RULES of Recruiting Talent:
  1. Read the job requirements prior to submitting your resume or bombarding a recruiter or hiring manager with phone calls, emails or impromptu visits. They also have numerous other planned activities which may take precedence.  Keep in mind that the person posting the position receives numerous responses and generally reviews them all.  The respondents who communicate their abilities the best are the ones which receive the most immediate responses.
  2. Be polite and professional in your correspondence.  This will increase the likelihood of a return call. This encourages and promotes the interest of the other party.  All to often there are alternate positions which one can be considered appropriate for your background but if the time is not taken to build and cultivate a relationship that door is never visible to the person that lacks the ability to be considerate and professional in their interactions.
  3. An individual only has one opportunity to make a first impression.  Be clear about your career goals and be able to clearly articulate them.  Let your career pitch be about your background, experiences and abilities.  The underlying message here is you are confident, mature and eager to show your stuff in a face to face interview. (non verbal cue equals-->I want to work for you!)
  4. Job searching is only personal when one forget that it is business.  Maintain your professionalism and treat others the way you would like to be treated.  Don't let your frustration come to the surface by becoming aggressive in your communication.  This type of behavior closes the door.  If you encounter someone that is not "vibing" with you, shake the experience off and keep looking.  The negativity of their aura will follow them not you.  Be the bigger person it is truly business.
  5. Be empathetic to your interviewer be it in person, via email or by phone.  A recruiter's job is to source, screen and identify qualified resources capable of being successful in a given role.  This is our business. We ask questions, probe for clarity and qualify experience to assess culture fit, aptitude and most importantly attitude.  Show your worth by being invested in the conversations and selling the experiences learned through your employment, hobbies, activities and interest.  Know you!  This type of behavior will get you in the door building your credibility and establishing an interest in learning more about you!
  6. Develop a rapport and network with those you deem knowledgeable of areas which you seek to be employed.  Do your research in interacting with agency recruiters by asking them questions.  Do they have multiple opportunities in your field?  Do they specialize in filling certain positions?  Can you schedule time to meet with them? This relationship should be two way not a closed end loop.  Find out their story and become invested.  Visit their website and do your research.
  7. Give the interviewer the information needed to assess your background.  Never assume that the other person knows your work history, experience or accomplishments which make you the gem you are for any organization.  Be proud of your experience and flaunt it.
One of the most challenging aspects of being a recruiter is the personal interactions it is also the most rewarding experience when I engage with people that are fully invested.  I have learned over the years when I encounter lemons I need to make lemonade and turn the interaction around.  I love to expand my network and meet new people.  This speaks to my passion and why I chose to become a recruiter.  Help me work on your behalf.

Thanks!

I look forward to working with you soon.  Drop a line and say, "Hi!" I generally respond in less than 8 business hours.  In this case, email is most appropriate.

Carol
 
ftnotcontract@gmail.com

Recruiting the best talent!