Recruiters just aren't picking up the phone anymore.
According to a recent poll of some of the nation's top recruiters, who network both through career-management sites and directly with job applicants, recruiting departments simply don't have the time to make personal connections the way they used to. For most of them, it's a simple matter of supply versus demand--the number of job applicants is, for many sectors, still far higher than the number of available positions.
In today's career market, recruiters can focus on a robust list of local candidates for any given job, rather than consider applicants from across the country. Candidates with master's degrees are now being hired at salaries that used to be for candidates with bachelor's degrees. And email communication has become the norm, further depersonalizing what used to be a high-touch, in-person process.
To stand out to recruiters, job seekers must take advantage of every connection opportunity:
Don't skimp on your resume: While highly qualified candidates are always going to get phone calls, they still have to present themselves effectively via their resumes. A clearly written, keyword-optimized resume that showcases your unique skills is critical. In addition, plan to target your resume to each specific job, highlighting relevant content and explaining how you're a clear match for the opportunity. (Read articles about crafting a great resume.)
Be everywhere: You've heard it before, but networking is a key skill for job seekers. If you can get personally referred to a recruiter, you will tremendously increase your chances of a personal callback. Whether you work with a career-management site or network via online tools or in-person events, those connections count.
Don't rule any job out: "Stretch" jobs (that is, jobs you might not be qualified for) are still worth seeking out, but don't necessarily expect a callback for your application. However, if you find a job that you love but that you feel overqualified for, don't be afraid to apply. Your passion for the position will come through, and you may at least gain a new contact.
And what's the number-one way to get a recruiter to call you? It's something you probably do every day with your business contacts but may not have thought of for your job search:
Be of service: Relationships with recruiters shouldn't be just about what they can do for you. Networking is critical to a recruiter, and most candidates know people who might be good fits for the types of positions a recruiter is trying to fill. Simply offering to refer friends, coworkers, or associates for these opportunities--particularly positions that aren't right for you--can help you make a meaningful, personal contact with a recruiter.
Part of what will make your search successful is realizing that the process doesn't end when you get your next position. For savvy job seekers, your next position is simply another step in building the career of your dreams. So take the time to get to know recruiters' needs, and how you can help them. By creating a win-win scenario where you both gain value from the relationship, you'll become a recruiter's go-to contact--both now and throughout your career.
Mike O'Brien is an innovative entrepreneur dedicated to helping others create breakthrough success, and is the founder and CEO of Climber.com, one of the nation's leading online career-management sites. For more information about how to find your perfect career, visit www.Climber.com, or connect with Mike on LinkedIn.
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