Looking at the Job Search Through a Recruiter's Eyes

Professional recruiters are trained to vet positions and seek out opportunities that match your qualifications. However, you can learn valuable information about the job search by examining how these professionals operate. Learn how recruiters match candidates with job opportunities to ultimately enhance your marketable skills and experience.

Evaluating Job Experience

Professional recruiters begin by evaluating a candidate's experience within the industry. As a job candidate in the midst of the job search, it's imperative to ensure your resume and professional social media accounts accurately list your experience. Use universally recognized job titles that are easy to spot and search. Confirm dates of employment to avoid any discrepancies during the hiring process, and list all duties relevant to the position. Scour through job advertisements to locate commonly used keywords to describe your experience and to capture the attention of recruiters. Know professional recruiters seek out candidates who can communicate their skills articulately, ultimately allowing them to easily spot the best applicants.

Assessing Communication Styles

Hiring decisions aren't solely based on skills and experience. When professional recruiters seek out qualified candidates, they assess whether or not applicants make a compatible cultural fit for the company. According to Jobvite, 83 percent of recruiters use communication styles to assess an applicant's match with a viable company. When meeting with recruiters, put your best foot forward. Prepare interview questions for your recruiter to not only vet whether or not the recruiter is a good match, but also to demonstrate strong communication skills. Show the recruiter you're prepared while also proving you have the ability to fit within companies seeking candidates with an open communication style.

Knowing First Impressions Matter

Put yourself in the shoes of professional recruiters by evaluating your online presences. Recruiters vet applicants by viewing their LinkedIn profiles, social media posts and online search results, including personal and professional blogs and websites. Add a professional photo to your accounts, clean up any personal online posts unrelated to your industry and post articles that show your expertise within your field. Network with colleagues and members of professional groups to further establish your credibility online. Job applicants should also pay close attention to how they present themselves in writing. For example, thoroughly proofread all emails, cover letters and communication with recruiters. A spelling error or typo is likely to damage your reputation and portrays you in a negative light in the eyes of recruiters.

Job seekers must be keenly aware of what professional recruiters are looking for when vetting candidates and providing viable company matches. Evaluate and assess your online presence, your communication skills and your marketable experience and skills to professionally represent yourself in the best light when contacting recruiters and applying for positions.

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