Candidates
Job Search
In the current employment market, there is a war for talent going on. It is what we call an employee's market. This means that experienced and skilled job seekers have a pretty good chance of securing their ideal position and negotiating their conditions and benefits with prospective employers.
However, it does also mean that the job hunting process should still be managed professionally and ethically - from both ends. We have experienced some pretty unprofessional situations with candidates in the past and have outlined below the best ways for job seekers to manage their job search process to ensure all parties are ultimately satisfied. With the introduction of online technologies now making the job search process easier, it has also introduced a faster job application process which can unfortunately result in some poor and unprofessional habits from some job seekers.
Therefore, we have outlined below our Do's and Don'ts when it comes to working with a recruitment company or any potential employer when you undertake your job search process. Maintaining a professional approach will stand you in good stead for future consideration in any market and will ensure you don't burn your bridges.
DO:
- Seek out qualified and professional recruitment partners that specialise in the industry you wish to work in.
- Spend the time to build relationships with trusted recruiters who will be happy to work on your behalf and assist with your job search process - remember it is a two-way street.
- Be open, honest and upfront with your recruiter. Make sure they take the time to listen to what you are looking for and only deal with those recruiters that take the time to understand your needs and work with you to achieve your ideal career outcome.
- Listen to your recruiter's advice and information on the market - they are the ones that ultimately know what the market is doing and what potential employers are seeking. Sometimes it can assist to set some realistic expectations.
- Keep the lines of communication open at all times. Situations can change rapidly and recruiters will want to know where your job search process is at if they want to consider you for a position with their client.
- In the fast moving job market, it is important to be open and upfront with your recruiter. It is vitally important to inform your recruitment partners who you are talking with and which companies you are being represented to. This can save a lot of time from the recruiter's perspective and it can also alleviate the problem of having too many agencies send you to the same company which doesn't make you look good.
- Keep track of where your resume is being sent to and where you apply directly. Make sure your recruitment partner gets your consent before sending your resume to any prospective employer and that you are fully informed of the process so you can keep track of such opportunities. This is a good way for you to maintain your professionalism and keep control of your job hunting process.
- If you are not interested in a position, then say so, but do remember to thank them for their consideration. A little courtesy goes a long way.
- Ask them to refer you to someone who can help if they are unable to assist you.
DON'T:
- Be dismissive. Even if you're happy in your current position or just extremely busy, take a moment to speak to a search consultant (if approached) or to call your recruiter back to inform them of your current status. Search professionals and recruiters appreciate this and practice the law of reciprocity. We're also human and might be less than enthusiastic when those who have dismissed us in the past come seeking an opportunity in the future.
- Surprise us! More importantly, don't surprise our clients. If you have a blemish on your record, let's hear your version first, before we learn it second hand. One of the worst things you can do is allow a possible red flag to surface during the closing phase of the recruitment process, embarrassing both of us in front of a client and your prospective next employer.
- Fail your own history test. It's surprising how many candidates can't recite their own professional histories in chronological order. Know exactly what you did and where and when you did it before meeting with your recruiter. It's also good practice for meeting with a prospective new employer.
- Neglect your homework. Some candidates will spend the first ten minutes of an interview asking basic questions about the position and the company which shows they haven't done their research or even read the job description. Candidates who do independent research create a favourable impression and show their clear interest in the new opportunity.
- Forget your manners. When meeting a recruiter or executive search consultant, remember that every word, gesture or inflection will be duly noted. If you wouldn't make an off-colour remark to a prospective employer, don't make one to your recruiter or executive search consultant.
- Play off recruiters or potential new employers against each other or use the process to facilitate a pay rise with your current employer. It is unprofessional and wastes everybody's time involved - especially the prospective employer who is ultimately let down at the end of the day or is left out of pocket with costs of fees and assessments during the process. Every town is small and this will greatly diminish your chances of working with that employer and recruiter again in the future.
Remember to be open and honest with your recruiter and discuss the motives behind your job search. By working together, this will only result in the recruiter having your best interests at heart and working hard for you in the current market. We are also human and appreciate the little things such as honesty and courtesy during the job hunting process. We believe in building long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships and look forward to assisting you with your next career move.
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I am impressed with the things you are doing with PCG and believe your service offerings, particularly those aimed at easing the HR burden for SMEs, are innovative and essential to improving the way SMEs operate. Your personal approach and professionalism are also of the highest standard and are, in my opinion, exemplary within the HR consulting industry.
