My Campus Chronicles
Our college blog dedicated to helping students prepare for life outside of college.
Recruiter Q&A archive
If you have ever interviewed with a recruiter and been rejected, you know how that can derail your job search. A "no" answer can send your confidence reeling.
One Hot Jobs column offers tips about how to recover from a recruiter's rejection. Tips such as sending cards thanking them for their time, asking for feedback, and not beating yourself up about it are among the advice.
Being rejecting for a job does not necessarily reflect on your abilities. Some companies are looking for more than work experience to fill a position, especially right now with the amount of candidates looking for a job. Today, companies need quality hires, which can mean job experience as well as having a personality and being a fit for the corporate culture.
If you are rejected for a job take the time to assess whether or not the company was the place for you in the first place. Ask yourself these questions: Were you excited about the position? Did the company have a reputation that you respected and appreciated? Could you see yourself working there?
If you answered no to one or all of these questions, then this could be a sign that you subconsciously held yourself back, or didn't put your best foot forward to make an impression during the interview.
This is a lesson, to be sure and really analyze job opportunities before you apply and have an interview. If it's not really a fit, but you are just doing it because you need a job, that could be a sign that you are sabotaging your interview. And if it's not a place or position you are really interested in working, don't waste your time or the interviewer/company's time.
Karen Valentine has more than 16 years of experience in human resources and outsourcing. As Director of Solutions for SourceRight Solutions, she devises and implements coherent HR strategies while improving internal processes and procedures. Karen has a bachelor of business in HR from Deakin University in Australia and has lived and worked in North America for more than11 years.
1. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search? Recruiters can connect you to job opportunities that you otherwise wouldn't know about. They can also assist in 'selling' you to the hiring manager. They offer guidance on how to present yourself and advice on how to win the job.
2. Is it OK to use more than one staffing/recruiting agency at a time? Yes. However, you have to be respectful and honest with your recruiter to make sure that they are kept in the loop on other opportunities that you have been presented for. You don't want a war of which agency was the first to refer you.
3. What trends have you been seeing in the job market? I am seeing a lot of consolidation. Merger and acquisition activity is currently underway, affecting the availability of jobs in this economy. However, there are some promising growth areas due to government policies, consumer demand and economic conditions that are making way for job creation. These new and/or expanding opportunities lie with companies that are involved with: Biotechnology; Construction and Engineering Services for Infrastructure and Government Projects; Health Products [including Health / Organic Foods]; Health Services; Energy Conservation / Renewable Energies; and Cosmetics Manufacturers.
4. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions? All job offers need a certain level of consideration to ensure that you can commit to the role. However, don't hesitate for too long or someone else will move in. Also remember that the early stage of your career is the best time to explore career paths and take chances.
5.What is the one thing you recommend candidates steer clear of during an interview? During the initial interview it is great to ask questions about the business based on your research in order to showcase your interest. But asking questions about where you will sit, what sort of a computer you will be getting, etc. sounds like you are under the assumption that you will get the job. Also avoid asking questions about vacation time or other company perks; it can leave a bad impression about your level of commitment. It's important to remember you are on a interview and trying to impress your prospective employer.
6. What types of things can candidates do to distinguish themselves from the pack? Structure your approach like a marketing campaign. Research opportunities before they become publicly advertised. Do your homework on the company that you are applying for; personalize your approach in letters and conversations using your research. Most importantly, do homework on yourself. It is important to make sure that you are prepared to answer questions and demonstrate your capabilities. For example, it is a good idea to name your strengths and be prepared with examples of how you have put them to use.
7. What do you enjoy most about your job? Problem solving. I really enjoy working with our clients to understand their needs and deliver creative and achievable solutions to meet their business requirements. The process is always a great learning experience. Plus, I get to meet interesting and diverse people along the way!
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, Andrea Dickinson was recently promoted to client service manager for Spherion. Andrea has been in the staffing industry for six years and enjoys NHRA drag racing, camping, cooking and gardening in her free time.
1. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search?
When you use a recruiter in your job search, you have someone that works with you from start to finish. A good recruiter will work to develop rapport and trust with you. It is also likely that the recruiter may have worked or done business with client companies that you would like to work with. Recruiters can also give great advice on resume writing and interview tips to job seekers. One of the biggest advantages in working with a recruiter is the added assurance that you are going to be a good fit with the client company once you are placed.
2. What skills are most in demand today?
The skills that are most in demand today are trade skills, management skills, computer skills and communication skills. Also, being versatile and having transferrable skills is a key selling point in today's job market.
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?
It is important to understand it is a tough and competitive job market. Before interviewing with a company, practice your responses to questions and act out possible scenarios. Do your research and learn as much about the history of the company so that you will be prepared to ask and answer key questions about the company's culture and objectives. Share examples with the interviewer of your experience and contributions while working for a previous employer.
This will help to distinguish you from other job seekers by showing that you have a vested interest in the position and can illustrate how your skills can contribute to the company. It is also always a good idea to attend as many networking events as possible and join social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
4. Looking back over the many resumes that have fallen on your desk, which resume faux pas stands out the most that you would urge candidates to avoid?
Under no circumstances should you ever include a photo or detailed personal information on your resume. It is unecessary and irrelevent!
5. What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the satisfaction and gratitude I receive by finding someone not only employment, but the next step in their career path.
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!
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, Brandee Leonhardt, has more than 5 years in the staffing industry and hails from Stockton, California.
1. What are the advantages of utilizing a recruiter while searching for a job during a shaky economy?
By using a recruiter in your job search, you are provided with one-on-one contact with someone who is really trying to get to know you as a person and help satisfy your career needs. Job seekers will receive helpful assistance with accurate and results-oriented job search information when working with a recruiter.
Recruiters are especially helpful when job seekers are up against a challenging job market. With the unemployment rate rising across the country, companies are receiving an overwhelming response to their traditional job board postings. This has resulted in more companies utilizing our services to help them filter through the hundreds of job applications that are pouring it. It is to a job seeker's advantage to work with a recruiter during these times because we aren't pulling resumes from job boards anywhere near as much as this time last year. In an active economy, we will find you. However during a slower economy, it is critical that you find us. We can provide you with a higher level of exposure to companies that are hiring.
2. What are some tips for job seekers in today's challenging job market?
With an increase in the amount of employers seeking temporary employment options for their workforces, candidates must be willing to consider alternate career paths for the short-term. Employers are looking for highly-skilled, trainable employees. With a growing candidate pool, job seekers need to be focused on acquiring and improving upon their transferable skills. Companies are looking for candidates with basic computer skills, general office abilities, customer service, sales and entry level management skills. If you don't have these skills, our office offers computer training to its candidates, as well as do many local organizations, community colleges and unemployment offices.
I strongly urge job seekers to network, network, network! Participating in local recruiting events and job fairs to put you in contact with a wide variety of opportunities available that will be the best fit for your career objectives. With increased competition for jobs, you can never make too many connections! Another great way to make connections is by volunteering at industry-specific charitable events, this is great way to give back to your community and promote your own job search.
3. What types of things can candidates do to distinguish themselves from the pack?
Study a company's website before the interview to learn more about the employer you are interviewing with; ask valuable questions regarding company and position; send a Thank You letter/email after interview. Distinguished job seekers ask key questions about a company's culture, business objectives, career growth potential, benefits, tuition assistance, etc.
4. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the contact with the people, both candidates and clients. I enjoy being able to build relationships that make our operation successful. I love feeling like what I do changes lives!
Check out our newest column. 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, Stephanie Poole, has more than 10 years in the staffing industry and is the top direct hire recruiter in Houston.
1. What are the advantages of using a recruiter in my job search?
Candidates who utilize staffing agencies and recruiters have access to jobs that are not necessarily listed on traditional job boards and that are available now. We have the tools to locate the companies that best match the position they are looking for instead of the candidate blindly mass-applying to a multitude of jobs that come across in their job search. It is certainly more effective and less time-consuming to utilize the services a recruiter can provide you, as opposed to looking for the perfect fit and not knowing where to find it. A recruiter can serve as a valuable partner in any candidate's job search.
2. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously in making hiring decisions?
Take time to consider your job search as if you were hiring someone for your own business. Consider your talents and experiences and really present those as individual selling points. Ask yourself how would you be an asset to a company?
It is also a good idea to consider internships pre and post graduation. There are a wide variety of summer internships available to new or recent graduates that serve as a great way to get your foot in the door and learn more about the company you would ideally like to work for.
I also recommend networking as much as possible, attending job fairs and exploring professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn.
3. What types of things can candidates do to distinguish themselves from the pack?
Do your homework. Have a general understanding of the company. A great place to start is by visiting the company's Web site for recent news, press releases and corporate events they may have sponsored or participated in. This will show the person you are interviewing with that you are interested in the company and that you have taken the time to get to know more about them. Also, keep track of where you are sending resume and be sure to follow-up with recruiters and companies. It's ok to pick up phone and request an interview. Above all, you must have confidence and understand your skills. Certainly don't be afraid to ask the employer for their hiring process timeline.
4. What is the biggest misperception about recruiters?
That we do not offer competitive wages and that we charge a fee for our services. However, we do work for our candidates to present the most competitive wages and absolutely do not charge our candidates for our services. Job seekers should never have to pay for the services of a recruiter.
