The recruiter call is one of those experiences that you start to receive the moment your resume hits a job site. It is one of those things that is really hard to say whether it will turn out to be positive or a total waste of time. I've wasted a good amount of time talking to recruiters that have no position open. They just want you in their database. Which if you haven't figured out so far, it is a waste of time. The recruiter that calls is usually anew one that needs to get some people in similar to the beginning stock broker. No doubt that a good percentage of them will want to waste more of your time with having you come into their office to qualify you for their clients.
That is what I expect from a recruiter most of the time. But there was a day I was wrong. I received a message from a recruiter asking me to call them back. So I did...
Ring, Ring, Ring...
Recruiter: Hello? (Indian accent, static on the line, most likely in India)
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
Recruiter: Hello?
Me: Can you hear me?
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Ok.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
Recruiter: Hello?
Me: Can you hear me?
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Ok.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
So at this point I realized that something was wrong and ended the call. At least I hope that I realized it at that point. It might have gone one more round. I felt sure that this would make it to an episode of Crank Yankers.
I have to say that this entertaining call was one of the most valuable recruiter call for me. On average recruiters don't understand how to help the job seeker.
I have to point out that I have used recruiters and been placed in positions due to their work. But those are the rare occasions.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Typical Job Search Advice
Ok... I took a look around for an example of the typical advice that one will find when looking for help on searching for the next job and within minutes I was at a newspaper in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Star. The article, Develop resources to expedite the job search, really exemplifies what you must do in order to start your search but leaves you at a loss on what to do next in any of the situations they describe.
Sad! The situation is sad. "Focus on your strengths." How often have you heard that? Too many times. You've probably thought about your strengths and practiced the different forms of the question "What are your strengths?" but without knowing that you need to do more with this to truly land your "dream job" you will be left frustrated.
What do you do with your strengths? You need to use them! Not just make a list and know what to tell the hiring manager. Take advantage of your skill set. Sometimes teaching your skill will put you in position to reach out to those that are interested in your field. Thats just one eaxmple but the possibilities are endless. Try to use your skill to help yourself and not just your current employer.
"Keep an open mind." Thats a great idea! I'm sure you've already gone out and taken a look at what is available in your area and thought to your self that there aren't that many openings, you aren't hearing back from anyone or any numerous other worries. But don't get carried away with applying for anything. You should keep an open mind but don't apply to things that you either aren't qualified for or is totally in the wrong field of work. It is good to open up your options sonewhat but keep in mind that when you get a call you don't want to site there and say, "why did I apply for that? I would never do anything like that."
So what about Networking? That is the best idea yet. Many people find their next position through someone that they know. This is also the reason that you may not want to apply for any job out there. You may meet the person that you sent your resume to for the Chairman of the World Bank position and they will immediatelylaugh at you discount you and your abilities even if you are qualified for something else. This person or their contacts may be the key to your next job.
I would be remiss for not mentioning that with the amount of resumes that a hiring manager receives these days that they probably won't remember you if you apply to something that you aren't qualified for but do you want to chance that?
Try out some of the networking sites such as LinkedIn. You migt be surprised at some of the people tat you might have known from past positions that you may be able to leverage in your search.
Be sure to use what you have and think about who you know and get out there and search!
Sad! The situation is sad. "Focus on your strengths." How often have you heard that? Too many times. You've probably thought about your strengths and practiced the different forms of the question "What are your strengths?" but without knowing that you need to do more with this to truly land your "dream job" you will be left frustrated.
What do you do with your strengths? You need to use them! Not just make a list and know what to tell the hiring manager. Take advantage of your skill set. Sometimes teaching your skill will put you in position to reach out to those that are interested in your field. Thats just one eaxmple but the possibilities are endless. Try to use your skill to help yourself and not just your current employer.
"Keep an open mind." Thats a great idea! I'm sure you've already gone out and taken a look at what is available in your area and thought to your self that there aren't that many openings, you aren't hearing back from anyone or any numerous other worries. But don't get carried away with applying for anything. You should keep an open mind but don't apply to things that you either aren't qualified for or is totally in the wrong field of work. It is good to open up your options sonewhat but keep in mind that when you get a call you don't want to site there and say, "why did I apply for that? I would never do anything like that."
So what about Networking? That is the best idea yet. Many people find their next position through someone that they know. This is also the reason that you may not want to apply for any job out there. You may meet the person that you sent your resume to for the Chairman of the World Bank position and they will immediately
I would be remiss for not mentioning that with the amount of resumes that a hiring manager receives these days that they probably won't remember you if you apply to something that you aren't qualified for but do you want to chance that?
Try out some of the networking sites such as LinkedIn. You migt be surprised at some of the people tat you might have known from past positions that you may be able to leverage in your search.
Be sure to use what you have and think about who you know and get out there and search!
Welcome
Welcome to the new souce for the latest in interviewing news and information. After going through numerous interviews from both sides of the table it is now time to share some knowledge. The information that is out there fails to tie it all together. So, this is the attempt and hopefully a success at brining all of the available information on interviewing together and making sense of it with real world thought and applications.
Stay Tuned...
More to follow.
Stay Tuned...
More to follow.
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