The Recruiter’s Point of View

by Riia O’Donnell

If HR and recruitment seems secretive and aloof to the average job seeker, there’s a good reason. The level of confidentiality in HR requires it. Recruiters tend to go a bit beyond: they’re all charm and delight when they’re bringing you in for the interview; gracious and welcoming when you meet; but for follow-up, some can ghost you worse than a bad first date. Often, however, after-interview radio silence to may be attributable to faux pas made along the way.

Recruiters are There to Say No
If you have gotten the interview, you’re already qualified. No recruiter brings in people who don’t meet the minimum qualifications for the job – they haven’t got the time. From this point on, though, they’re looking for reasons to take you out of the pile and move on to the next. Make sure you’re not helping that process.

Were you on time? Today’s workplace may be casual – but the rules for showing up on time have not changed. If you don’t make it to the interview on time, will you show up for work on time? The only thing that turns off a recruiter more than someone who shows up late (even 5 minutes) is someone who shows up too early. Nothing says “My time is more valuable than yours” than a candidate who arrives an hour before the interview and hopes you can fit them in early.

Were you dressed appropriately? Dressing like you already work there makes it easier to see how you’ll fit in. Even an interview with a casual workplace requires you take off the pajama pants and wear something that conveys respect for the process.

Are you qualified? Is your resume more fiction than fact? A good recruiter will spot a fraud almost immediately, and while they’re rarely forward enough to say so, consider yourself circular-filed. Be honest about what you’re capable of – there’s a job for everyone if you don’t over-reach.

Did you behave professionally? Too casual is too casual, even for a casual workplace. Watch your language, be polite and professional, and keep the discussion to business topics –  not your WOW screen presence.

Give the Recruiter Reasons to Say Yes
If your resume an accurate portrayal of your history and qualifications, be ready to expand on what it says about you. Are you proud of your accomplishments, work ethic, and experience? Say so. You’re “selling” yourself to the recruiter; if you don’t talk about your best selling points, who will? And if you’re not outlining them, they can easily be missed. Your resume is a two-dimensional look at you – fill it out with who you are, and how you’ll be an asset to the company.

If your potential company has been smart enough to use Rankdone to pre-screen candidates, you’re 75% of the way there already! Talk about your work history (not your personal life) and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Say Thanks and Hold
Send a quick email after the interview thanking them for their time and consideration, then just wait. You may call or email one or two times to see if the position has been filled, but a good recruiter will be keeping you posted throughout the process. If you’re not chosen, ask them to keep you in mind for something that would better match your skills and qualifications in the future.

Find out how Rankdone can help recruiters find the right candidate for every job. Contact us today.