10 Things Recruiters Want You to Know in 2020

1. Make sure you have appropriate contact information included on your application and resume such as a professional, working e-mail address and phone number. This allows employers and recruiters to reach you without difficulty. Your voicemail should be professional, polite, and to the point. Employers and recruiters have very limited time and if they are unable to connect, they will move on to the next candidate.
2. Get a point of contact for the job you’re applying for. That way, you can include their name in the greeting of your cover letter instead of a generic “To whom it may concern.”
3. Do your research before the interview. Know about the company and organizational culture. Remember, interviews are not just for the employer. Try to find out as much as possible about the company to see if you will fit in with their culture.
4. Be enthusiastic. Practice your body language and tone of voice. Actually look like you want the job.
5. Differentiate yourself from other candidates. Candidates stand out when they have unusual answers to the questions asked. Tell a story that highlights the benefits of hiring you. Be memorable. Stand out.
6. Tailor your answers to questions about yourself based on the qualities, skills, personality type, etc. the employer feels are important for success.
7. Study and practice your answers. There are plenty of websites out there like this one and this one that give fantastic examples of how to answer the most common interview questions.
8. Ask questions before leaving your interview. What will make someone successful in this role? What does a typical day in this role look like? When can you expect a decision? What are the next steps? Etc.
9. Don’t forget to follow up! It is a common mistake to turn in an application and wait… and wait… and wait. Be sure to send an email or make a phone call to confirm that your application was received.
10. Use a recruiter from a hiring agency like CareerSource Palm Beach County if you are still struggling to find work.

Want to learn more? Visit one of our career centers and meet with a career consultant!