A Recruiter's Perspective

by Lorisse Garcia - Nov 20, 2009

What do you want to be when you grow up? It's about going after what you want. It's all about networking. Believe it or not, it's possible to get into a company at a high level without even knowing anyone!

Consider having lunch with yourself, using a chart to strategically plan for your work and family. Coach yourself and start taking the advise that you normally give to others.

What are the two favorite things you like to do? What do you not want do do? Think about where you want to go for the 2nd half of your career. Write out your ideal job description.

It's all about reaching for what you want. What are you doing to reach your goals? You may have to change your lifestyle. Read the bio's of the CEO's to see their zig-zag career path.

Remember to keep in touch with the people around you. You never know whose path you'll run into again in the future. They may become you're future employer, or someone you'll help with a job lead.

Recruiter Process

• Don't pay for advertising.
• Hand out Career Cards to advertise.
• Post online. Everything is linked together.
• Don't review resumes for 1st week of job posting.
• Typically receive 300 resumes per job.
• Reachable by email, not voicemail.

I try to look at every resume, but not all recruiters do this. Most just do a key word search to filter down the list to a reasonable number.

Only the first third of the resume is displayed on the screen, so try to place the most important information here. I filter them into one of three categories, like, don't like, and maybe.

When filling out an online form, don't write "see resume". You will get passed over for the next candidate.

Resumes should be written like your final exam in college, ie. taken very seriously. Also, try to mention key words or companies that are important in your line of work. These will stand out, and may generate a courtesy interview.

Resume Faux Pas

• Higher level job candidates generally have worse resumes.
• Using your work email while still employed.
• Different phone numbers, showing lack of detail.
• Missing name and page number heading on page 2.
• Lot's of white space.
• No numbers to quantify your experience.
• Unable to define who you are.
• Not listing your accomplishments.

Resumes should be written like your final exam in college, ie. taken very seriously.

Mention key words or companies that are important in your line of work. These will stand out, and may generate a courtesy interview.

Face to Face Interviews

• Be professional. Don't freeze up.
• Always wear a suit for a management level and above positions.
• Don't think you already got the job. This leads to over confidence.
• Don't let your guard down, giving only surface answers.

Think every day is "game day".

You don't know who you're going to meet, and when? The people sitting next to you could be your boss.

Research the person ahead of time, investigating their profile on LinkedIn.

Put together a 90 day journal/action plan you plan to implement if you get the job. Pass out a hard copy after the interview, but don't review it at this time.

"Fatal Attraction", Things to Avoid

• Trying to be a recruiter's friend on Facebook. 
• Calling every day.
• Blind calling a recruiter to fish for positions.

You are your brand. Don't tarnish it by creating negative emotions.

You are the COO of you.

Know your Stomp Speech, Elevator Speech, or 30 sec Commercial, and be prepared to say it.

Typical Phone Interview Questions

• Tell me how you've approached your job search. Update your resume to include what you have been doing since leaving your last job.
• What have you done during the last year, both personally and professionally? Mention any consulting, special projects, or freelance work. Approach this from the point of view, if you could take a year off for a sabbatical, and start doing it now.
• Give me an executive overview, starting with your education and working forward to the present.
• Why did you leave you last employer?

If you could take a year off for a sabbatical, what would you be doing?

You got to go where you want to work. Consider volunteering there or studying the company.

Don't ask to work at a company for free.

Study the organization as if you're still in college working on a project.

Bad Phone Interviews

• Dog barking, TV on, kids crying, phone ringing, toilet flushing or pacing on a hardwood floor.
• Someone else answering the phone before you do.
• Text messaging someone at the same time.
• Not following interviewers instructions.

Dress for the interview, even though you're not leaving the house. It will help you to be mentally prepared.

Be Creative

• Pizza Guy story. He researched ahead of time, to avoid brand conflicts and delivered a pizza with a note inside.
• Thank you note after the interview. Mail one using the Post Office, not electronic.
• Thank you note after being referred to the Hiring Manager, after being flown in for the interview, and along with his receipts for reimbursement.

Think of a novel way to present your resume that will stand out. Try to keep it related to your line of work.

Don't be annoying, but strive for something like a slow dripping water faucet.

Work towards gaining positive name recognition.

Be patient.

Speaker Bio: Recruiter for the Orlando Magic