Here’s a neat little tidbit about recruiters. They’re real
life people and everyday is full of disappointment. E-recruiting, much like
E-dating, has many success stories. You’ve probably met a lot of happy couples
who met online, but for every happy couple, there are 10 horror stories of
people showing up 10 years older or 50 pounds heavier than their picture. The
sad part about recruiting is that you don’t get to date the winners for very
long. You give them to the hiring manager and then you have to start all over
again.
A little insight into
the process
First the recruiter crafts their profile:
I like long walks on the beach, Reggae music and I love to
cook. I’m looking for someone with 5 years’ experience in marketing, experience
with popular software with excellent attention to detail and willing to work in
a remote location.
…then we sit back and laugh, knowing that person probably
doesn’t exist, especially in the remote region the hiring manager needs them in.
This is basically the equivalent of asking for someone with a six-figure income
who is ok with the fact that you’re a single parent of five. If you ever see
someone in a restaurant writing on a laptop, swirling a glass of brandy and
laughing maniacally like a Disney villain, but crying at the same time...that’s
a recruiter having a normal day.
Speed Dating Round
Recruiters schedule entire days of interviews just to meet
the people, make sure the person matches the profile and isn’t a complete
douchebag. You need to get through the first date to get to the second date
with the hiring manager.
Step 1 – Make sure you can back up what’s written on your
resume.
You were chosen to be interviewed because of several things
you wrote on your resume. We’re going to ask you about them to make sure you
did them. Be prepared to elaborate on specific projects.
Step 2 – Know yourself really well.
You are going to be asked to give an overview of your work
history as well as what you’re passionate about. Print off your resume and make
notes if you have to. Just be prepared to talk about this. It sounds like a
given, but a lot of people fail here.
Step 3 – Be Charming
I interviewed a woman who had her own tagline. She told me
she was “a small town girl with a big city attitude.” I never forgot her name
as a result. Just like people don’t forget a good date, they certainly don’t
forget a bad date.
Fact: Sometimes the HR guy won’t know all of the intricacies
of the app development position you applied for.
Fact: They will be completely aware of the condescending
attitude you have towards them.
Here is a list of things that will not get you to a second
date
·
Name
dropping: Tell me on your resume what companies you worked for, don’t spend
a significant amount of time asking me if I know so and so. I’m not impressed
by the fact that you worked for Donald Trump unless you can effectively tell me
what you did for him.
·
Questioning
my questions: If I ask you to elaborate on something, don’t ask me why I
want to know that or how is that relevant to this position unless the question
makes you uncomfortable for some reason. Often recruiters will want to know
about all of your skills (even the ones that don’t pertain to the position you
applied for). They can contact you for other positions, unless you were
uncooperative.
·
A Shi**y Tone:
Be intelligent, but don’t get smart. You would be surprised at how many
professionals, after they realize they’re talking to a lowly recruiter, develop
a smarmy attitude. Newsflash! In order to be hired, HR still needs to want to
work with you.
I actually had an interview where the applicant told me to
go to his website, because I could stand to learn a little about the field I
was recruiting for…resume deleted.
Don’t be a douchebag. We share all of our notes with the
manager.
Example: John Smith, 10 years of marketing experience,
excellent portfolio, possibly overqualified for the position. Complete ass. If
you hire him, I’m quitting.
Bottom Line: Most
successful organizations are looking for someone who is a cultural fit. Being
an attractive candidate does not give you carte blanche to be an ass. Getting
through the first round is not a difficult task. Know your resume, be confident
and courteous and welcome to date #2.
