Brutal Truths: Why Recruiters Might be Passing on You
Recruiters and hiring managers are having conversations with people day in and day out, so giving them a positive impression of you so you stand out from the crowd (in a good way) is key. There are some things that can just turn people off to you.
You know me, I’ll give it to you straight, even if it’s not comfortable – so here’s the brutal honesty of things that might be hurting you:
❌ You’ve worked for 10 companies in as many years
Companies are hesitant to hire someone they think will be gone in a year. It costs money to hire/train/on-board someone – they want someone who will stick around a few years.
❌ You’ll take any job, anywhere, for any pay.
(No, I’m not talking about people out of a job with no savings in a desperate situation). I’m talking about someone who’s employed but “casually looking to make a change” – and yet, anything will do. (Head scratcher.) Any job in the industry (or not) is of interest, any pay range, in office or remote, you don’t care. It just feels like red flags – why are so desperate? When we press, there’s no real answer given.
❌ Your resume makes the reader’s brain hurt.
If I open it up and instantly want to cry (tiny font, no white space, long paragraphs, 5 pages in length) chances are, it won’t get much of a look. If you’re an awesome candidate but your resume is lack luster, that’s where you really better have a personal “in” to push you past that initial phase.
❌ You reschedule a call three times.
Sick kids, job demands, life – I get it, sometimes you have to reschedule. But when you choose the call day/time for an initial interview and then reschedule it 3x, it’s not putting a great first impression in the mouth of the interviewer.
❌ You’re incredibly arrogant and tout how amazing you are.
If you’re great, you don’t say how great you are. I’ve had candidates say, “I’m a true unicorn in the space” or, “Clients love working with me”. (Insert eye roll). If you spew your awesomeness on me, it’s probably a sign that you, well – aren’t so awesome.
❌ Lack of professionalism for an interview.
You show up late, disheveled, unprepared, make crass comments…. This is the hiring managers first glimpse of what it would be like for a client to work with you – and it doesn’t give a great first impression.
So what does work?
✅Humility
A quite confidence that come through without saying how fantastic you are.
✅Designations
The longer you’ve been in the industry, the more designations you should have.
✅Being human
Be real, have a conversation. Try to find common ground to ‘break the ice’ – sports, kids, some commonality. Make note of what’s in the background, or better yet – do a little social media digging before the call so you know your audience a last a little.
✅Your Resume
A clear, concise resume that shows impact (vs. listing responsibilities)
“Getting past that initial step can be half the battle. These tips will help your likability factor, it’s up to you to “wow” the interviewer with the rest. 😉 ”
