How to Think Like a Headhunter or Recruiter

Want to get an interview? Then begin to think like a Headhunter or Recruiter! Ask yourself specifically what is the position and exactly who are they looking for to fill it? What qualities do they appreciate in a candidate? Is company mission oriented "all hands on deck until the job is done" culture? Perform enough research to know where your skills, experiences, and values learned will be most readily identified as being "positive", and then give a brief career history highlighting those areas into your resume that bring on an "Aha!" from the reader. You will find that, more often than not, it will cause the recruiter to pick up the phone and call you in for an interview!

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As a Headhunter or Recruiter, what keywords would you enter if you wanted to find the most qualified candidate for the job? Recruiters expect to find the right person by identifying the resume with the most keywords used in their initial job announcement/advertisement. Companies advertising online place relevant and desired "key words" into their resume screening program - Applicant Tracking System (ATF) software. ATF, also known as talent management systems (TMS) is used to garner, analyze, and coordinate resumes and applicant information. One important fact - these tracking systems screen out about one half of all resume submissions. Many unsuccessful online job seekers have long believed that their online resume submissions go into an obscure resume abyss. These futile job hunters may really be on to something! One reason, at least 40-50% of all online submissions by job hunters get screened as "not having the basic qualifications for the job" even though the submitter may truly have the qualifications. These candidates simply failed to place those qualifications into their resume via select keywords.

To make an impact, and prove you are qualified for a position, when applying for a position titled "operations manager" ensure that both of the title words - "operations" and "manager" are strategically placed in your resume (preferably in the top one third). Note: Another way to enter the chasm of resume doom is to confuse the screening/tracking software with the presentation of your information and dates in the "Job History" or "Experience" section. Always list the employer first and then list dates of employment (on the right side of the page).

Headhunters and Recruiters like "dynamic" "pop off of the page" verbiage! While your resume design should be presented in a simple, easy-to-read format to get the best results, each sentence within your "Skills/Value Added" and "Employment History" sections should start off with dynamic and anomalous action words. Such pop out lead-in's can include action words such as "Employed forward thinking leadership to motivate staff...", or "Led teams in operational and compliance initiatives, improving internal control, and financial results...".

Remember - It's not about you, it's all about the Headhunter or Recruiter and their company or the company they represent. Take a look at the company's website for clues to their values - can you align yourself with a company's culture (often defined by their mission statement)? Aligning yourself and your resume with the organization and its mission is extraordinarily important for success in any online resume submission.

copyright 2012 Metroplex Resume Service

Is Your Reference List Employer Ready???

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When looking for employment in any industry, job seekers should have an up-to-date (most current information) professional reference list.  Unfortunately, many job seekers have a propensity to want to add this list to their resume.  However, a professional reference list should be created on a separate page and should not be forwarded with along with the resume, unless requested by an employer.  Savvy job candidates will have at least one copy of their reference list with them when going to an interview because they know that most employers typically ask applicants for references once the interview has ended. 

A professional reference list should include at least three names of past or present employers, supervisors, coworkers, instructors, or someone with whom you have performed volunteer work.  The list should not include any relatives, friends, or religious leaders unless a job seeker has worked or volunteered with them in a professional setting.  Before submitting a reference list to an employer, applicants should ask each individual on the list if they are willing to provide a positive reference.  The list should be contain each individual's full name, job title, relationship to the applicant (i.e. employer, co-worker), phone number, and email address.  

Job Seeker Tip of the day:  Fill out a blank application form at home with all of your information (including reference information) and take it with you when called for the interview.  This will ensure you have all of the information ready and available to fully complete the application.  It definitely will get attention!

Copyright 2012-13.