Know the rules of the game and become a ‘Job Hunting Superstar’
Job hunting is not an easy task; in fact it can be quite complicated. Most of the job vacancies you are exposed to from recruitment agencies always seem like that would be the best job to land (which certainly doesn’t diminish ones anxiety levels).
Most of the time recruitment firms won’t reveal who they are recruiting for. Not always, but frequently this is because competitors need to be kept away from this information.
This makes it difficult because it’s really hard to tell if it’s the right company, or job for you before you take the time to apply. If you are successful with your CV submission, you still need to make it past the agency before proving yourself to the company hiring.
1. Familiarise yourself
Get to know the rules of the game. HR consultants don’t always have the time to do the recruiting themselves hence the request to take on a recruitment service. What that means for you is you need to figure out how to speak to, impress and influence the recruiter, not the hiring manager.
2. Customise your job titles
Titles can be really misleading. Each company has a different name for the same thing, so just because you recognise the role you’re going for is similar to the one you’ve come from, it doesn’t mean it’s as obvious to the recruiter. Make it easy for them by ensuring the job title on your resume is at least similar to the job you’re applying for.
Additionally, think about how you can use a few catch phrases under your title to draw out what you’re good at, so they understand instantly exactly why you should get the job.
3. Stay away from length
No recruiter or hiring manager wants to receive and then read a resume that is extremely long. Get to the point instead.
It’s vital to sum up your experience into three pages or less. If it’s too long, no one’s going to read it so rather keep it concise and punchy, getting across your key value as quickly and easily as possible.
4. Resume customisation
Don’t be lazy and send out identical resumes for every application. Each job is different, so remove things that aren’t relevant and make sure the things that are relevant are super obvious. This also means moving the most relevant skills up your list, so it’s the first thing the agency reads.
