By Will Gowin

So many job seekers overlook a superb additional tool to aid in their active or passive search for a new career opportunity… recruiters or what some people call headhunters.  Even though there are some great recruiters out there, there are definitely some bad ones too.  Here is a tip when working with these guys.

Don’t just be another number.  A lot of recruiters are “just doing the numbers.”  That means they are filling their databases with candidates for the next job opening they might be trying to fill.  Sometimes staffing firms put general “job openings” on their website or other job boards just so their recruiters can collect people and fill their databases with individuals they typically place.  So, how do you deal with this?  You politely ask if they are filling a specific opening or are they looking to gather candidates for the next possible job requirement.  Ask them to be honest with you because they expect you to be honest in return.  This just helps to manage your expectations as well as let the recruiter know that you know what’s “going on.”

Being a recruiter for so long myself, it was refreshing to work with people that understood our industry, where you did not have to explain everything and field calls from individuals everyday asking, “you got a job for me”?  If the recruiter has a position that is a fit for you, it is to their benefit to contact you and go over the particulars.  That recruiter makes money if he or she gets you placed.

If a recruiter is just filling their database, it’s alright, give them the information they are asking for and make sure the recruiter has your updated resume, if they don’t already have it.  Be precise to what you kind of opportunity you are looking for, what kind of commute you can handle and what salary you would like to obtain.  Be completely honest about everything in your background and work history.  It’s going to come out in a background check or interview anyway and you might just burn a bridge with the staffing firm/ recruiter or a potential employer if you are not forthcoming.  If the recruiter knows everything upfront they can do a better job in matching you with a job opportunity and get you hired.

by Betsy Thayer

The first thing to consider when looking for a job is what your resume projects in terms of ability, focus, and objective.  Your resume is the first example of your ability to do work, it should be PERFECT.  If you have any misspellings, the person reading your resume will know you are not thorough.

If you have limited experience in the area you want to pursue, try adding experience (Hint: for example, you don’t have to get paid to do something in order to include it on your resume.  It is about experience.  Take a class, start a blog, create a project, etc.).

Focus your resume so you get what you ask for.  If you generalize, you could miss out on an important opportunity.  If you have done your homework you already have specific KEYWORDS in place and have an idea of what HR managers are looking for.  Check out job descriptions and resumes for people in the position(s) you want.

The objective is not just a heading on your resume.  The objective is the overall tone, what your resume implies about you.  If you have a creative format and you avoided cliches you will stand out as a potential employee.  Keep the wording concise and driven.

It is difficult to write your own resume for a couple of reasons.  First, you need to step back and look at yourself objectively; this can be hard for some (this is where a professional resume writer can help).  You need to remember your achievements; these are much more enticing than duties.  This is where the big picture is helpful.   If you have less content with just achievements, rather than a 2-page resume with duties and mundane details, you have a more powerful resume.