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Recruiter Q & A

In Recruiter Q &A, experienced Spherion recruiters discuss the latest trends in the job market and provide advice on making the most of your job search. This month's recruiter, Phyllis Roberts is a top-performing direct hire recruiter covering Broward and Palm Beach Counties for Spherion. Phyllis has been a recruiter with Spherion for five years and her background includes both temp-to-hire and direct hire experience.

1. What exactly is the role of a recruiter?
The role of a recruiter is to find the most talented individual and the perfect candidate for the hiring company. A recruiter also provides their candidates with valuable interview skills training and always keeps an open line of communication.

2. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search?
There are several advantages of using a recruiter. By working with a recruiter, you have someone who works on your behalf at no cost to you, takes your career search as seriously as you do and thoroughly researches all available opportunities to help match your interests and goals. Recruiters also offer resume writing advice, understand and respect your need for confidentiality and can monitor everything from closing the agreement to negotiating your salary.

Also the recruiter often has a long-term relationship with the client company, allowing them to know of many job opportunities that aren't publicity posted. This ultimately saves you both time and energy in your job search, while ensuring that you are good fit for a particular company and position.

3. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions?
First and foremost, be prepared for a challenging job market. It is important to go on multiple interviews and be prepared to meet and greet people and present yourself in a professional manner. This includes having a well-written resume, cover letter and recommendations. Keep in mind that the job interview is your first contact with a prospective employer. An interview should be approached with careful preparation. The outcome of the interview is the most important factor in determining whether you will be hired or not. Be sure to research the company and honestly answer all questions the interviewer asks of you in a polite manner. And of course, always be sure to thank the interviewer for their time.

4. Let's talk about interview attire. What type of dress do you recommend candidates wear when they are interviewing?
Never underestimate the importance of choosing appropriate job interview attire. The clothes you wear to a job interview are a big part of the first impression you make to a potential employer. People make judgments about your suitability for a job within the first few seconds of meeting you. It is important to gauge the situation and the nature of the company when choosing your clothes for the interview. Dress one level above the way you would dress if you were going to work at that company. This shows the employer you've made the effort to show yourself in the best possible light. Casual Fridays NEVER apply when interviewing! Try on all your clothes the day before the interview to make sure everything fits well and there are no stains on your clothes. Always avoid loud, bright, excessive or extreme clothing.

5. How did you become a recruiter?
I owned my own business for several years and was responsible for the hiring of my staff. I very much enjoyed the process of interviewing, the enjoyment of giving people jobs and developing their careers. I was good at it and decided to pursue this role full-time. I enjoy the success of matching a great candidate to a great job opportunity. Making the right marriage between a candidate and a company is emotionally, intellectually and financially fulfilling and rewarding!