For the Candidate:
Obtaining interviews for the job you really want can be difficult and
frustrating. Successful applicants understand that there is a right way and
a wrong way to proceed.
The Wrong Way
Blanket resumes - A mass mailing of cover letters and resumes will get you
nowhere and may actually lead you to being disqualified from the job you
really want. Your resume will look like the hundreds of others submitted to
that firm and either misunderstood or misdirected. Our surveys conclude that
over 97% of technical positions are not advertised.
The Right Way
Use peer and mentor referrals to identify recruiters who specialize in the
high tech industry and your functional area of expertise.
Cover letters should be no longer than two paragraphs and resumes should
never exceed three pages. Avoid "resume software programs" and resume design
services.
Even if you're not interested in a current position, you will want the
recruiter to remember you for future opportunities.
Be a source of helpful information:
- Do you know someone who might be right for a current position?
- Do you know who is looking for change and is technically competent?
- Leave the recruiter knowing you are a worthwhile contact.
Don't make a mistake by:
Overstating your earnings, being dishonest about
education or work history or embarrassing the recruiter in front of a client.
If the recruiter believes you may endanger a client relationship you will
be disqualified from any referrals.
|
|
For the Employer:
Most high tech companies enter a search assignment with high expectations
and a sense of urgency. Here are some simple measures to ensure success:
Do your homework
Determine if the technical recruiter is an expert in his chosen field and
whether they know your business.
Educate the recruiter
Invest time educating the recruiter on your technical requirements,
environment, management style and future plans. The more employees within
your organization the recruiter can contact to understand your "culture" the
better the result.
Be realistic
Decide which background requirements are essential, which are desirable and
where compromises can be made.
You get what you pay for
It is important that the recruiter give you a clear idea of current
marketplace compensation packages to help you set realistic expectations.
Give candidates the respect you'd give your employees
How you treat candidates gives them a clear indication of how your company
operates - conduct the process accordingly
The offer
Because of conflicting agendas, a search assignment can fail during
compensation negotiations. Using the recruiter as a mediator during this
time has proven to substantially increase the odds of a successful outcome.
Remember that the recruiter is an experienced professional. You will benefit
from his expertise.
|
