Due to the recent pandemic pressures on the economy, there has been a record rise in the unemployment rate with the last recorded rate being 7.4%.
With government assistant packages reducing in September and potentially coming to an end in March 2021, these numbers are likely to increase.
However, Australia is not the only country suffering – this is the situation of millions of people around the world. Unfortunately for job seekers there is also a lot more competition for every job. What this means is that there is an undeniable need to think outside the box. Or in this case, think like a Recruiter. So here is a list of 8 things Recruiters do that you need to implement right now if you are still on the job hunt to be more effective and to reduce your stress levels.
Simplify
Recruiters are often told to focus in one industry or function to become recognised as a specialist, get traction and more results. They are taught to simplify. Although in the act of desperation it can be easy for a job seeker to be tempted to apply to a range of positions, by replacing quantity with quality, jobseekers can use the additional time to focus on customising their corresponding documents and increase their chance of success.
Set up Job Alerts
Most online job boards have a functionality that allows job seekers to save a search and set up a job alert. Recruiters use this function to keep updated on their industry market and find potential clients. But this tool is really intended to simplify and automate the job seeking process. It reduces search time and allows job seekers to have great opportunities delivered to one location (their inbox!). Because let us be honest, spending days trolling Seek, LinkedIn, Monster, Career One, Indeed and company career pages online can be very draining. So, if you have not yet activated this function, then you should.
Build a List of Target Companies
Research teams in Search firms are often tasked to build lists of target companies so that Directors can 1. Source candidates from or 2. Target as a client. You can build a list of companies you would love to work with, that would employ someone with your skill set, check if they are hiring online, and then cross-reference anyone in your network that you could have a conversation with subtly that might be able to introduce you to someone or give you advice.
Use Your Network
Great recruiters constantly work on building their network both online and offline. The key thing here is to be seen and try to look for ways you can delicately start conversations with people that could potentially help you. Look for networking events, conferences, exhibitions, join professional industry bodies, attend online webinars, group learning sessions or workshops. If you do this frequently, you will often bump into the same people which will allow you to build better relationships with them.
Do you know someone that works in a similar industry or company that employs people in your field? Who is on your LinkedIn contact list? Are any of them working in your target companies or from the companies listing jobs of interest? Could they introduce you to the hiring manager?
Keep track of opportunities
Recruiters keep track of competitor activity and potential job leads using a CRM that tracks emails, conversations, and activities. This CRM allows them to have all the information they need in one place, so that the next time they engage in a conversation with someone they can pick up where they left off. Many of the job boards you are using have built-in applications tracking tools. There is also an emergence of CRMs available such as Huntr for job seekers to be able to do this at a very low cost. Now, if you have a great memory or have only applied for 3 jobs – feel free to skip this bit of advice. But if you are a bit of a “gold-fish” like me or you have applied to more than 10 jobs in the last 24 hours and on a range of platforms, then as a minimum you should be using a spreadsheet. This will also help you keep track of any leads from your network contacts, target companies you want to approach, and any information you need at your fingertips to ace that next phone discussion!
Highlight your key value proposition
Following a successful interview, Recruiters will write a candidate report which is submitted along with your Resume. It describes your fit for the role in detail and any relevant key achievements. It is also a chance for them to add any vital information that you have missed in your Resume. They are highlighting your most relevant experience to increase your chances in the process – and this is something you can do too. Tailoring your Resume to each job is not about exaggerating your experience or lying about achievements. It is about making sure your applicable experience is easy to find, easy to read and matches the existing job criteria.
Ask for a meeting
If you are trying to connect with new people online, writing an introduction email should be just as clear and concise as an elevator pitch. The goal here is to obtain a face to face meeting (or videoconference!). Much like a Recruiter will do to approach a candidate or a client they cannot get hold of over the phone. You must give that person a reason to return your call or accept your proposal. You should explain how you came across the opportunity, how you got their details, highlight your top 3 tangible skills relating to the criteria and all without forgetting to close. Ask for that meeting!!!
Schedule in Follow Ups
A great recruiter will always follow up; regardless of whether it is to give candidate feedback or do a business development or account management call. Adopting this strategy will allow you to cross off any lost or cancelled opportunities and focus your efforts. Send a follow up email 2 weeks after a CV submission. If there is no feedback after 1 week, then a phone call is perfectly acceptable. Whatever you do, do not email blast everyone at the company, send them all LinkedIn messages and call all the staff mobile numbers you can get your hands on. There is an art to following up that does not create an air of desperation.
And if you have just finished reading this article and you are not sure exactly where to start? Email me directly and I’ll send you some free collateral to help you on your way.
