How to Win a Job and Influence Recruiters
by Emily Nomland, 1 Oct 2009

Emily Nomland is a Recruiter for Adecco Creative. Her passions include anything creative, always looking to expand her knowledge of this ever changing industry. Emily advocates for proper usage of There, Their and They're and world peace. She is a city girl at heart who vows never to drive a mini van. She Twitters regularly and encourages you to find her on LinkedIn.

Think of recruiters as the first round of hiring managers. As a recruiter, I look at resumes on a daily basis, and I can tell you it takes me approximately 10 seconds max to look over a resume and make a decision. If a resume does not seem relevant, to the job you applied to, you will most likely not get a call back. I know that may sound awful but lets be serious, there just aren't enough hours in the day. To avoid being a candidate, not receiving a call back, here are some simple suggestions you should take to heart. For starters, it amazes me how rarely people applying for jobs actually follow directions and fulfill the requirements in a job description. I don't know if it is out of sheer desperation or what, but there is nothing that is more frustrating than someone trying to talk me into submitting them for a job that they have little or no experience doing in a real world scenario.

Lesson 1: Research the Position being advertised.

Take the time to read the job description that the recruiter or hiring manager took the time to write. There is a HUGE difference between "I would like to do that" and "I can do that, have done that, and here are specific samples to back it up." PLEASE, research just what exactly it is that you are applying to...Traffic Coordinator does not mean someone who directs traffic and I should not be receiving resumes from crossing guards - no offense.

Lesson 2: Only divulge relevant information.

For those recent graduates applying for entry level positions, everyone knows you will not have a ton of real world experience, but elaborate as much as possible on skill sets and responsibilities learned from internships, pro bono freelance work or school projects before sending me a resume full of bartender jobs and hobbies. Tell me every skill set or software or language you have a basic understanding of, those are the details that I am looking for and can actually use to market you. No one cares that your hobbies include hiking and biking or that you spent a summer bartending at your local hot spot.

Lesson 3: Submit samples with your resume.

Unless you have a portfolio link (PREFERRED!), invest in a scanner and learn how to use it to easily submit samples with your resume. No matter if you have signed a document swearing your work to secrecy or not, any good designer or copywriter should have a portfolio or PDF pieces that can be electronically sent and used to market you to a position available. Clients today are being bombarded by hundreds of resumes. 99.9% of the time you will not be scheduled for an interview unless they have viewed samples beforehand, and that does not mean faxed photocopies (or snail mail for that matter) for me to fax to them...no thanks...its 2009! Also, explain in specific detail your role in the samples you are submitting. Did you come up with the concept and work with a team of designers and copywriters? Did you design the piece and, if so, what software did you use to design it? Did you write the copy and, if so, did you work with an editor or a proofreader who also contributed to the final product? There is nothing worse than taking time to interview a "top notch designer" for a web design position, only to find that they in fact delegated what needed to be done and they actually can’t even turn a computer on.

Lesson 4: Allow me to do my job.

Once you have been contacted by a recruiter and submitted to a job, if you have not heard any feedback for a day or two, don't panic! This is a buyer’s market. You are most likely competing with a number of other submissions. Set a day to follow up with your recruiter and stick to it. Don't call on a daily basis. Trust me, if my client wants you to work for them you will be the first person to know! I am as excited as you to call and tell a candidate that they have been chosen for the position they applied to get. For most recruiters that is one of they aspects of the job that they love most. There is something very rewarding about helping great talent find a place in a great company. To sum this info up for you...

Lesson 5: Help me help you.

Read the description, follow the directions to apply, submit relevant samples and ONLY then follow up on the position that is of interest. Once submitted, schedule a day to follow up and then let me do the rest. By following these simple rules you will be any recruiter’s dream candidate! Good luck!