If a recruiting firm is not contacting you or returning your phone calls, you may be violating one of the unspoken rules of job hunting. Based on Bullhorn surveys, a recruiting software company, and our recruiters, here are the four most common reasons as to why recruiters are not returning your calls.
Applying for jobs outside your field of experience.
If your experience is in marketing, don’t apply for a job that requires a Master’s in Finance. More than 40 percent of the recruiters surveyed, by Bullhorn, stated that applications from candidates who do not have experience or do not meet the basic requirements for the position is the reason for not returning a phone call or email. Recruiters and hiring managers do not want to be flooded with resumes from people who do not have the experience and skills required for a job. Before you apply for a position, it is important to look over the requirements and responsibilities. If you do not meet a majority of the requirements or do not understand the responsibilities then it is probably better to keep searching.
Exaggerating your qualifications.
When it comes to your resume and interviews, it is important to sell yourself, however do not make claims about your experience that you cannot back up. According to the Bullhorn survey, 21 percent of recruiters and hiring managers cited exaggerating skills and qualifications as a major turnoff. It is fine to say that you can speak Spanish if you can fluently carry on a conversation, but if your claim is that you took one Spanish class in high school then it is best to leave it off your resume. Another example is if you know how to use certain IT program, if you have just used it once or twice then you most likely are not an expert in the area. If you do not possess the skills or qualifications that you state on your resume, then during an interview or your job it will become apparent which will lead to problems further down the road.
Having too much contact with your recruiter.
It is okay to follow up on a resume, phone call or interview, however excessive calling and emailing is not okay. According to Bullhorn, 11 percent of recruiters think it is okay to ask for a status update from a candidate once a week. If you are in the beginning of the process, asking for an update every day or every other day can become a bit bothersome and not a good impression. Once interviews have been set up, then having more frequent conversations with your recruiter will occur naturally because they will help prep you for the interview and what to expect. AtlasAdvancement, Inc. Recruiting Manager Mija Saracevic says that she likes to keep in contact with candidates during the recruiting and hiring process, but excessive communication, every day for example, can be too much.
Salary is the most important thing to you.
Everyone wants a better salary however when you are making a job change it is important to take into account benefits, the commute and overall workplace happiness. When money is your only focus, it can send the wrong message. A quarter of the recruiters surveyed stated that candidates who is solely focused on the money ended up with bad impression because it is difficult to sell a candidate who is only in it for the money and not to better the company.
Recruiters can be the bridge to your next opportunity. It is in their best interest to negotiate a higher salary so they will work hard to place you. Take our advice and Bullhorn’s, steer clear of violating any of the unspoken rules of job hunting.
Here at AtlasAdvancement, we strive to make sure each and every candidate is well prepared and knowledgeable on what to do throughout the job and hiring process. We make sure that each and every candidate and client is treated fairly and maintain an open communication so that these issues do not occur. If you are interested in learning more about what we do, please go to atlasadvancement.com or check out our jobs at atlascareer.com