Passing the Recruitment Process

I think we've all heard horror stories from both sides of the recruitment table. I know from my side (HR), there are some things applicants do that have me questioning whether common sense got thrown out the window.

The hiring process is not an easy one. For the employer, it involves countless interviews to find the "right" candidate as soon as possible. For the candidate, it's a nerve-wracking process where every detail of their resume is scrutinised, probing questions are asked about their work experience and skills and then there's the endless pacing back and forth as they wait for any word from the employer.

In my post The Profiler, I've shared some processes we have in place in my organisation that help me find the perfect candidate. So what advice can I give candidates? Well, here are some tips for the job seeker when it comes to:

Resumes and Cover Letters

• If the advertiser requests a cover letter, please put in the effort to send one (your application might be dismissed at a glance without it).
• Don't send a "generic" cover letter. Make the effort to tailor it to the role/company you're applying for. For instance, actually find out who the hiring manager is instead of "Dear Sir or Madam" or the mood killer "To whom it may concern". Do some research on the company and give them reasons why you would be interested in working for them in particular
• Keep the cover letter to one page and no more.
• Don't send a novel for a resume --- four pages max (some may prefer even fewer).
• There's no need to include a title sheet for the resume, us HR folk know a resume when we see one.
• In the resume, use bullet points instead of wordy paragraphs when possible; give more detail in the relevant/applicable roles (I'd also include significant achievements under each role).
• With anything you submit, proofread and then proofread it again! Spelling and grammar mistakes are not a good look.
• When listing your work history/experience, put the most recent/current role first and work backwards. (OK, that's an obvious one, but you'd be surprised!)
• Type it all up! Do I really have to include this? Having seen everything from fancy calligraphy to chicken scratches on a napkin, I guess I do.
• Ensure the resume is clear and organised with appropriate headings --- Qualifications & Education, Career History, etc.
• Supply 2-3 work related referees (1 of them can be a character reference).
• Avoid sending from email addresses like "Hotrod@", "Sexylasoo@" or "Sweetbuns@" --- you want your application to be taken seriously.
• Do not send a blanket email and attach a generic cover letter and resume to a long list of recruitment agencies or other employers in the same email --- for me, that earns a one-way ticket to the trash can.

• Do your homework! An instant turn off is a candidate that comes in not knowing anything about the company. We've actually cut short interviews if we suspect no research has been done --- prove to us you want this role!
• Really answer any questions --- take a few seconds if you need to formulate your answer but make sure it will make sense (don't waffle).
• Be yourself --- we don't want to hear well-rehearsed text book answers. It's ok to let your personality shine through as long you keep it professional.
• Telling your interviewer what you really think of your previous boss or company is a definite no-no.
• Use real examples, prove that you know what you're talking about.
• Come prepared with some questions to ask your interviewer (don't let the nerves get the better of you).
• I would recommend using Google to search for interview questions to get a feel of what might be asked (practice answering them to be really prepared).
• Send a thank you note after the interview. To me, this signifies that the person is genuinely keen on the role.