Tips for Job Seekers on Getting the Best Results From a Recruiter

Hate Headhunters? Well, We Get Annoyed at Job Seekers Too

Since landing a job as a recruiter, I’ve come across many articles, blogs or lists of reasons why people hate headhunters. Many people are confused about the role of a recruiter. Recruiters work for the companies that pay them to find top talent. Too many people believe that headhunters work for the job seeker. I get calls every day from job seekers complaining that I haven’t found them a job yet. I love to help as many people as I can, but remember, my paycheck comes from the companies, and I’m trying to please them. The articles I’ve come across are about how recruiters are dishonest, rude, or never call back. Just remember that we are the ones with contacts at large corporations. We have a foot in the door, you don’t. We have report, and can easily place you at your dream job if you have the talent. With that being said, this is my list of things that recruiters hate about job seekers and resumes:

Unexplained gaps in employment
Missing or omitting employment dates
Resumes written in the 1st or 3rd person
Pictures or graphics on resumes
Functional resumes- I want to know what you did where.
Resumes not sent as a word document
Hard to read fonts
Meaningless introductions
Personal information not related to the position
Candidates who apply for a job they are not qualified for or an over qualified person applying for a lower level job.
Long resumes, long paragraphs
Missing contact information
Too duty oriented- I want to know what accomplishments you did for your employer
Spelling and grammar errors
People who call us every day to check on the status of their resume submittal to a client. The higher level job you are seeking, the longer it takes. Usually several people have to review the resume. We will get back to you.

Really, it’s common sense. Recruiters don't like candidates who lack common sense. If you get your act together before you contact us, we are more likely to work with you, and are more likely to place you. Happy job searching!