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Ensure a recruiter picks you for the job
The
hiring manager represents your potential employer. Here’s how to make sure
your name is on the list.
So, you have finally decided to quit your job and
move to greener pastures? The first step would be to update your resume,
post it on job portals and professional networking sites, and apply to
umpteen jobs. Then you will have to wait till you receive a call from a
recruitment consultant. They believe your profile might be suitable for an
opportunity with their client. You respond eagerly to the questions, but
like a reluctant date, that is the last time you hear from them. No other
recruiter calls you. So, where did you go wrong? How can you do better next
time?
What the recruiter wants to know. . .
. . .that you exist
In other words, you are easy to search and find. You need to update
your resume regularly on job boards/portals, preferably containing the
keywords that the job description holds. The recently updated resumes come
up on top of the consultant’s search panel, and since he may not
necessarily be technically qualified to understand the nuances of your
achievements, he will rely on the job board search engine to sift words
from the job description.
. . .that you respond quickly
To a hiring manager, a candidate who does not return calls or mails on
time is clearly signalling disinterest. Even if you are in the midst of a
very important project or a temporary personal crisis, the recruiter is
often in a tearing hurry and will prefer to go along with the next good
candidate who is prompt and available.
. . .that you can read the time
Nothing is more annoying to a hiring manager than a candidate who turns
up late for an interview. He couldn’t care less about the traffic jam or if
someone else gets selected in your place. Your turning up late embarrasses
him and makes everyone look bad since a video conference or a meeting room
has been organised and a director’s calendar has been blocked for your
personal interview.
. . .that you will satisfy
The job description received by you and the recruiter is only half the
story. The other half is the gut feel of the decisionmaker who will hire
you. A description will never say that a candidate should display an
eagerness to travel, a keenness to ask for stretch targets or an enthusiasm
to prepare and analyse data sheets. The recruiter
is looking for a glimpse of that passion in you that will meet the hidden
expectations and impress the decision-maker.
. . .that you are a smart negotiator
It is infuriating for a recruiter to see a few weeks or months of
effort go down the drain. This happens when you secretively play the market
and obtain multiple job offers. Then you quietly pick the one that is the
most convenient and lucrative for you and no one is the wiser as to why you
turned down their offer. On the other hand, the recruiter loves a smart
negotiator, who lets decision-makers know about his other options while
negotiating his offer and wrangles the perfect job for himself.
. . .that you are true
After you join the new organisation, someone from the HR or from a
background check agency will verify your antecedents. Every line in your
resume, your past employment, your reasons for quitting previous jobs will
come under scrutiny. The recruiter sincerely hopes that you have been
honest throughout. A single lie may cost the recruiter his reputation, and
you, the new job.
. . .that you will go the distance
The recruitment consultant tries to weed out non-serious players who
change jobs too often. He needs you to stay at the new job for 3-6
months—the minimum time it takes him to earn the commission from your
selection. He and your hiring manager would love it if you stay and work
hard for at least a couple of years because this speaks well of their
selection record, helps them meet their KRAs, and builds a good reputation
for their abilities.
. . .that you are helpful
The recruiter understands that when he calls you out of the blue for a
job, you may not be the right person for the role or may not find it
exciting. However, he will be grateful if instead of slamming the phone,
you take the trouble to recommend a better fit. The next time a suitable option
comes up, he is likely to share it with you first.
The writer is an alumnus of IIMAhmedabad and CEO of Quetzal Verify, an
HR solutions company.
4 things the recruiter will not
do for you. . .
1 Reply promptly
Your potential employer is his client, not you. With tens of resumes
flooding his inbox daily, he is unlikely to respond to your e-mails unless
it is vital for meeting the client’s requirements.
2 Look for a job for you
A recruiter does not get paid unless he is empanelled with the firm that
has a suitable vacancy for you. You will have to look for your own jobs
while the recruiter will store your resume until a suitable vacancy turns
up with his existing clients.
3 Push your case
Your resume is one of many that the recruiter has shared with the
client. He will take a greater interest in the resumes that have received a
positive feedback. Yours may not be one of them.
4 Be the best channel to apply
When you are hired through a recruiter, the firm pays a commission and
also invests in a reference check. This is why companies prefer an internal
recommendation by employees. This means that it saves on expenses and the
stickability factor is higher as well.
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