
A Recruiter’s View – Do’s and Don’ts When Applying for a New Job
In my experience, whenever there is a new open position, hundreds apply and only 10 to 20 candidates end up on a “shortlist” of candidates that will be considered - depending the role.
If you are considering an open position and want to apply I hope this tips would be helpfully to increase your chance to get the interview opportunity.
· Read the JD and requirements carefully. In particular, the “Must haves” that the hiring manager has invested a lot of time and thought in singling out “must have” requirements. Sometimes these must-haves include a person’s educational background, their experience, one’s ability to speak specific languages or being a resident of a specific country.
If a candidate disregards the “must have” requirements, in my view the reasons could be:
a) The candidate is desperate to get any kind of job
b) The candidate fails to recognize important requirements
c) The candidate wants to argue with hiring manager before knowing the reasons for the requirements in place and before he ever gets a job.
· Follow the instructions. Normally job posts give you clear instructions on how to apply or to get more information. For example, some instructions include filling in application forms. We often get messages from applicants who disregard this simple instruction and instead send us an email asking for more information. Some just post a message: ”Please consider my online profile.”
There are few reasons for this but from my understanding the following is true:
a) The candidate is unable to follow simple instructions.
b) The candidate is not really motivated to pursue an opportunity.
c) He or she is asking for more information out of curiosity or for other reasons.
Unless you are a “superstar” candidate, it’s not likely that the recruiter will entertain you further if you are unwilling to read through the JD and answer some questions.
So, Don't balk at having to fill out an application. You should expect to fill one out.
Do fill out the application completely. You'll be providing your prospective employer with what they need. Being thorough will also demonstrate your attention to detail.
Do fill out the application accurately and honestly. You can spin unfavorable information in the most positive way possible - But be honest!
Do supply information about your current compensation if asked. The reason recruiters ask for this is to ensure that you are within the range of the budget for the open position. Normally this information is treated as confidential by a recruiter. Do provide sufficient contact information as required.
1. Be truthful and forthcoming with a recruiter. Recruiters know when a candidate tells the truth most of the time. Once he invests his time in assisting you with the opportunity, be truthful. This will increase your chance to get the job. This is not the time to be secretive. Once the recruiter believes you can bring the value to the company, he wants you to succeed and do well on the interview and get the job.
2. Ask the right questions. Once you’re communicating with a recruiter ask the right questions in order to get the right answers. Good questions are related to the company, products, and organization, but don't be shy to make it confirm with a recruiter if your compensation expectations are indeed within the approved budget for the position. This will save everybody time down the road.
3. Show the recruiter why you can add value to the company. From the moment you apply, every time you communicate with a recruiter, prepare yourself with real life examples on how you brought value to your employers in the past and how you think that you can bring the value to your new employer. This is extremely important.
Remember that a recruiter can't hire you. He can only filter you out or recommend you to be considered for a role. Taking the time to give him all the information she or he needs, will move you through to HR quicker than the most other applicants.
In summary, if you want to end up in an interview session, take the time to read through the JD and instructions - and follow the instructions. In order to save everybody's time, if you see that you lack the “Must have” requirements, don't apply. Instead, keep looking for opportunities that would fit well with your career path. Be forthcoming and truthful, Ask the right questions and Show me your value.
If you are considering an open position and want to apply, I hope these tips would be helpful in increasing your chances to get the opportunity for an interview - and you will certainly the make job of a recruiter and hiring manager much easier.
In my experience, whenever there is a new open position, hundreds apply and only 10 to 20 candidates end up on a “shortlist” of candidates that will be considered - depending the role.
If you are considering an open position and want to apply I hope this tips would be helpfully to increase your chance to get the interview opportunity.
· Read the JD and requirements carefully. In particular, the “Must haves” that the hiring manager has invested a lot of time and thought in singling out “must have” requirements. Sometimes these must-haves include a person’s educational background, their experience, one’s ability to speak specific languages or being a resident of a specific country.
If a candidate disregards the “must have” requirements, in my view the reasons could be:
a) The candidate is desperate to get any kind of job
b) The candidate fails to recognize important requirements
c) The candidate wants to argue with hiring manager before knowing the reasons for the requirements in place and before he ever gets a job.
· Follow the instructions. Normally job posts give you clear instructions on how to apply or to get more information. For example, some instructions include filling in application forms. We often get messages from applicants who disregard this simple instruction and instead send us an email asking for more information. Some just post a message: ”Please consider my online profile.”
There are few reasons for this but from my understanding the following is true:
a) The candidate is unable to follow simple instructions.
b) The candidate is not really motivated to pursue an opportunity.
c) He or she is asking for more information out of curiosity or for other reasons.
Unless you are a “superstar” candidate, it’s not likely that the recruiter will entertain you further if you are unwilling to read through the JD and answer some questions.
So, Don't balk at having to fill out an application. You should expect to fill one out.
Do fill out the application completely. You'll be providing your prospective employer with what they need. Being thorough will also demonstrate your attention to detail.
Do fill out the application accurately and honestly. You can spin unfavorable information in the most positive way possible - But be honest!
Do supply information about your current compensation if asked. The reason recruiters ask for this is to ensure that you are within the range of the budget for the open position. Normally this information is treated as confidential by a recruiter. Do provide sufficient contact information as required.
1. Be truthful and forthcoming with a recruiter. Recruiters know when a candidate tells the truth most of the time. Once he invests his time in assisting you with the opportunity, be truthful. This will increase your chance to get the job. This is not the time to be secretive. Once the recruiter believes you can bring the value to the company, he wants you to succeed and do well on the interview and get the job.
2. Ask the right questions. Once you’re communicating with a recruiter ask the right questions in order to get the right answers. Good questions are related to the company, products, and organization, but don't be shy to make it confirm with a recruiter if your compensation expectations are indeed within the approved budget for the position. This will save everybody time down the road.
3. Show the recruiter why you can add value to the company. From the moment you apply, every time you communicate with a recruiter, prepare yourself with real life examples on how you brought value to your employers in the past and how you think that you can bring the value to your new employer. This is extremely important.
Remember that a recruiter can't hire you. He can only filter you out or recommend you to be considered for a role. Taking the time to give him all the information she or he needs, will move you through to HR quicker than the most other applicants.
In summary, if you want to end up in an interview session, take the time to read through the JD and instructions - and follow the instructions. In order to save everybody's time, if you see that you lack the “Must have” requirements, don't apply. Instead, keep looking for opportunities that would fit well with your career path. Be forthcoming and truthful, Ask the right questions and Show me your value.
If you are considering an open position and want to apply, I hope these tips would be helpful in increasing your chances to get the opportunity for an interview - and you will certainly the make job of a recruiter and hiring manager much easier.