How to Contact Recruiters on Social Media

How to Contact Recruiters on Social Media After having written a recent post for Undercover Recruiter (How NOT to Contact Recruiters on LinkedIn), I received a lot of requests for advice on how jobseekers SHOULD reach out to recruiters. It reminded me of a recent InMail message in my LinkedIn inbox and I thought I would share my response since it details some of the many ways that jobseekers can (and should!) approach recruiters on LinkedIn as well as other forms of social media. In my opinion, the following advice is the MOST important step that a jobseeker can make because it turns a reactive process (applying online and waiting / hoping to hear back) into a proactive one (reaching out to recruiters / hiring managers online and starting a two-way dialogue that gets your resume reviewed / considered for the role). Anything a jobseeker can do to stand out from the pack (in a good way, of course) and beat others to the punch will help them land that coveted offer. Remember, there is no 2nd place when applying for that dream position. That 1st place candidate gets the job and the dozens (or hundreds!) of others do not. What are YOU doing to differentiate yourself in this tough job market? Here’s the original email (identifying details changed for privacy): Stacy, I recently found your blog as I have been trying to find the best tactics to land my next position. I have my heart set on a marketing job at XYZ Company in Washington D.C. but I am from Massachusetts and have no connections there. Do you have any advice? Jane My response: Hi Jane, Thanks for reaching out. Great question! Heres my advice 1. First things first. Go to XYZ’s company website and apply online for any position(s) of interest that match well with your skill set and experience. 2. Next, it’s time to leverage LinkedIn and the power of networking. I just searched my network and I have 956 total connections currently working at XYZ Company in the DC area. 109 of them are 1st or 2nd level connections, so once were linked, theyll be in your network too (as 2nd or 3rd level connections). Once we’re connected, do a LinkedIn search and identify two or three of those contacts that you would like to contact. Id recommend Recruiters, hiring managers Manager/Director/VP of Marketing in your case, peers who hold the same title that you desire, etc. We can identify additional contacts later, if need be. 3. Send introduction requests through LinkedIn to those people. Introduce yourself, let them know that youve applied online via their careers page and youd like to follow up directly to reiterate your strong interest. Be specific about which position(s) you’re referencing, not just a general “I really want to work for your company” message. Important: Highlight how you match their requirements and can contribute in the role (i.e., how you can help THE TEAM), not just why youre interested and how great a fit it is for YOU. If this person is not the decision maker, then he/she will need to go to bat for you so make their job easier (and more effective) by giving them some concrete details to work with. Since you’re not local, explain that you already have a place to stay in DC (even if it would just be a hotel at first… shhh) and are available to interview at their convenience. If they ask when you’ll next be in the area, tell them next week (and be ready to book a flight). Be willing to fly there and/or relocate on your dime, if this company really is your first choice and youre confident in the fit. Chances are, theyll fly you in to interview if youre a strong match (and relocate you if theres budget), but you may want to keep all options open in this tight job market. 4. See what happens next. Worst case, theyll look at your profile and decide to pass. They may even respond back to let you know. (Hey, at least your info got reviewed, which is more than many applicants can say, right?) Even better, they might forward your info to the appropriate hiring manager and/or recruiter. That person will then consider your resume and, if not a match at this time, at least theyll have it on file and hopefully keep you in mind for future openings. A good recruiter will follow up to close the loop with you. Again, it’s still better than entering that “black hole” that frustrates many jobseekers. Best case, theyll be interested in interviewing you and youll hear back accordingly. Whichever the case, this proactive approach is so much better than the apply-with-fingers-crossed-while-waiting-patiently-never-to-hear-back method used by most jobseekers! No matter what, dont give up! Get creative and keep reaching out. Consider some of the following options: See if anyone you know happens to know someone who works there (or used to work there). LinkedIn is perfect for this type of sleuthing / networking. Join their XYZ Careers group on LinkedIn (and any other LinkedIn groups where XYZ employees might be members) and interact with recruiters and/or marketing employees there.  (Did you know that you can  contact fellow LinkedIn group members for free? How perfect is that?!) See if the company has a Twitter account and reach out there. Id bet you ANYTHING that theyll respond back that way and/or put you in touch with the right person. Comment on their Facebook Company or Careers Page. Show your interest and enthusiasm for the company. Ask the best way to follow up about employment. Look for Meetup marketing groups in DC and network with their members. They might know of a fabulous position at XYZ or elsewhere. Gain insights into which local companies are employers of choice. Be assertive and enthusiastic while being careful not to come across as aggressive or stalkerish. Use your judgment. Of course, if it doesn’t work out this time, use this same method to apply for other openings and/or other companies. As mom used to say, there are other fish in the sea. And the next fish, er, company, might just be the perfect fit. And if you follow these steps, I doubt you’ll be a jobseeker for very long! Let me know how it works out! RELATED: 7 Secrets to Making Recruiters Find You Image: Shutterstock

Asking for Feedback After a Job Rejection - Dos and Donts - Career Sidekick

Asking for Feedback After a Job Rejection - Dos and Donts - Career Sidekick Asking for Feedback After a Job Rejection Dos and Donts After Your Interview / https://www.edenscott.com/blog If youre looking for advice on asking for feedback after a job rejection, youre in the right place.Im going to walk you through exactly how to ask employers for feedback, so you can improve and get hired faster. What well cover:When to ask for feedback after getting rejectedShould you ask via phone or email?What to say when you askMistakes to avoid when askingWhen and How to Ask for Feedback After a Job RejectionLets Start With When to AskId recommend asking the employer for feedback soon after they tell you they decided not to hire you.If you receive a rejection email, Id respond within 24 hours  (wait at least a few hours though; you dont want to sound desperate or panicked).If they call you and tell you the bad news over the phone, ask for feedback right on that phone call. And well talk about exactly how to do that in a second.One last scenario: If they call you, and you arent able to answer so they left a voicemail, Id call them back to ask for fe edback on the phone. If youd prefer to write an email, you can, but I think calling is better.Call during business hours, and if you dont reach them, hang up without leaving a voicemail. That way you can try back one more time to try to get them live on the phone. If not, you can leave a voicemail.Now lets talk about what to actually say when you ask them for feedback (and some things you should avoid doing)How to Ask for Feedback After a Job Rejection (by Phone or Email)Thank them for following up to tell you about their decisionExplain that youre always trying to improve yourself in your job search and careerAsk if there was a piece of experience that they felt was lacking, or something you could do to present yourself better as a candidate in future interviewsIf youre sending an email, end the email by thanking them again for their time and telling them youd appreciate any feedback they can shareIf youre on the phone, pause after asking and wait for them to respond. If they provi de feedback, listen closely to what they say and make note (so you can improve in the future)If they dont share anything after this, its very unlikely youre going to get feedback. Id recommend moving onNow that you know how to ask for feedback after being rejected by an employer, here are a couple of things you definitely do not want to doWhat NOT to Do When You Respond to a Job RejectionIf theyve rejected you after an interview because your interview went badly, they arent going to change their minds now.So asking for feedback should be all about improving yourself, finding out what you could do differently in future interviews, or what skills and experiences you could look to add to your resume moving forward.This is not an argument, or a chance to persuade them one last time. Its not going to work, and its going to make you look desperate.So here are the top 4 things you should avoid doing when responding to a job rejection1. Dont sound bitter or upset at the start of the call (o r email)How you start the call or email will make a big difference in the response you get. So make sure not to sound upset or bitter that they didnt choose you.Try to sound calm and professional. You should already be focusing on other opportunities and applying for other jobs. This call or email is all about gathering info to help you get hired by those other employers. So you really need to sound like that.2. Dont try to change their mindTheyve made their decision. One reason why it takes so long to hear back after an interview is because they are careful in their decision. If they tell you that they decided to move in a different direction, theyve made up their mind.So this call or email should not be about trying to change their mind. Youre gathering feedback and trying to get them to share information that will help you get *other* job offers.Arguing with them will not help you do that.So you dont want to start the call by trying to persuade them to reconsider. Thats going to completely kill your chances of getting any useful feedback.3. Dont act desperate or begNo matter what happens, dont start sounding desperate and dont beg. Its going to make them want to hire you even less (if a future position opens up, etc.)Leave things on good terms so they remember you as a great candidate that they can think of in the future for other positions.By doing this, you can also network with them in the future. Even if they dont ever directly hire you, maybe they end up connecting you with somebody who does hire you in a few years.4. Dont push back on the feedback they give youPart of asking for feedback or criticism is accepting it and listening to it (how else will you improve?)So if they share any feedback at all, thank them for it. Dont argue or make a counter-argument.Many employers will not provide any feedback after rejecting you.Even if you follow the steps here, you wont get feedback from every employer.Why? Company policies and advice from their lawyers ofte n prevents HR and hiring managers from sharing much feedback.So as frustrating as this can be, realize that they do not have to share anything.And if they do share feedback, it really is a favor theyre doing, and a sign theyre a great company in terms of how they treat candidates.This might be difficult to hear if youre struggling to find a job, but getting angry at an employer that does take the time to give you feedback wont help.Leave the Door OpenI mentioned above that you shouldnt be arguing or trying to persuade them to reconsider you for the job (because it wont work).However, theres nothing wrong with ending your call or email by saying:I really appreciate your time in this process even though it didnt end up working out. If a different role opens up that you think I might be a better fit for, dont hesitate to contact me. Thanks again for the time spent discussing this opportunity with me.Thats how you can leave the door open in a professional way without arguing without sou nding angry and without sounding needy or desperate.Remember to Stay Positive and Use the Feedback To ImproveIf you follow the steps above, youll be more likely to get feedback after job rejections. Youll never get feedback from 100% of companies you ask, no matter how you respond to a job rejection some employers just do not share this info. But youll have a much higher rate of success.Then you can use the feedback to improve your interview skills and boost your chances of getting a job offer in your next interview!

Is Nice Agency Recruiter an Oxymoron

Is Nice Agency Recruiter an Oxymoron I start with the premise that to be successful in recruitment, or in fact any career, you can be nice and there is really no need to be  nasty. I would go as so far to say I think that nicer recruiters are actually way more successful,  and more importantly, have greater longevity in their market than those who play  dirty. Is this notion rather naive on my part? Perhaps some whimsical utopian-style ideal that I can spread love and joy throughout the recruitment world by being nice? *happily skips around the office* Nasty or nice? Does being nice in my job mean I am pushover? I dont think so. I am not a  walkover nor am I nasty, but I am firm in how I operate.  Nice recruiters are open, honest and transparent. They have the right intentions of all parties at the forefront of their minds. Now conversely, we have to ask ourselves what constitutes a nasty and not-so-nice recruiter. What would make someone transcend into the sphere of bad recruiter?  Those who never update or feedback to candidates (what  would appear to be the norm based on a lot of social media moaning) might fit this category.  Only being driven by the cash, with  the  only motivation being  the commission cheque, not servicing the client and candidate properly, is another sure-fire way to find yourself with the bad recruiter label. Some recruiters are incapable of  working as part of a  team with a  collegiate approach, never sharing information. On the other hand, I do believe many are the opposite of this, thinking about others  altruistically and being proud advocates for leveraging  one anothers skills and relationships for mutual gain. A matter of opinion Should you run a business promoting the notion that you are a nice recruiter? I asked for the opinions of two fellow recruitment business owners whom I have known respectively for 13 years and 1 year. I consider these guys the good kinds. Mark Noakes, owner of Integritas Resourcing says: To be honest, I dont think it is about being nice, and more about being genuine / yourself.  In my opinion, a good recruiter has the trust of their  candidates and clients, developed over time. This isnt about being nice, it is about be honest, genuine and knowledgeable. Our clients and candidates are partners, no matter how junior/senior they are.  I have relationships over 12 years old, they are not down to simply being nice; clients and candidate see through all that.  I would rather lose a fee because it wasnt right for both parties and retain my relationships than steal a quick fee and never work with them again. Julie Edmondson, owner of Perfect Fit People says: Recruiters constantly get bad press and to be fair, there is  a sizeable majority who can wear the rip off badge with pride.   But what gives a recruiter longevity are their ethics, their values and their ability to nurture long term relationships.   Every recruiter is only as good as their last placement, but those who build strong relationships, are accountable and consistently deliver, no matter what the conditions are the ones who grow a successful business. In  summary So what we can summarise is that it is not just me who thinks being nice is much too simple a notion, and really, being nice is great but it goes deeper than that into your core integrity.  I see that there are all sorts of recruiters (as there are humans) and that it takes all kinds of people to make a business successful. Interestingly, I have often smirked that maybe people find me like marmite.  I make this jibe in relation to the fact I am very honest and candid: some people like their egos stroked,  and lets just say I dont do that.  To a small few, I am brutally honest. I want to leave you with  this idea;  if we all just take  time to empathise with the people we represent, stand in their shoes for a day and think about how we  would wish to be treated if we  were in their position, perhaps we  would be kinder, nicer and more understanding than we  would have been yesterday.

Ready For a Career Change Youre Not Alone! [Infographic]

Ready For a Career Change Youre Not Alone! [Infographic] Oh Australia, how we love your kangaroos, coral reefs, and Hugh Jackman. Sometimes referred to as the land of plenty, it might come as a shock to learn that one thing the Aussies are lacking is career happiness. When a thousand Australians were recently asked if they were in the right career, an overwhelming 49% said no. Turns out there are a number of problems Australians (and many others) are currently reporting when it comes to finding their Careertopia How did you wind up in a bad job fit?   (The answer will amaze you). Whats stopping you from changing careers? How many careers do most people have by the time they retire? Take a look at the answers below in todays infographic provided by Seek Learning.

#DebutTalk Live Twitter Chat Recap Cover Letters - Debut

#DebutTalk Live Twitter Chat Recap Cover Letters - Debut We had no idea cover letters were such a divisive topic. Not until, of course, we decided to dive head-first into a #DebutTalk discussion about them. Cover letters are generally looked upon as highly important.  However we were genuinely surprised by the variety of advice we received from our users about them. This weeks chat yielded a veritable ton of actionable tips and as always, we cover our favourite ones here just for you. Notably, we were joined by our very first guest host this week! Melissa Woollard (@Melissa_FK), Commercial Manager of Fun Kids Radio joined us this week to dish on her cover letter writing and reviewing experience. Thanks for all of your wisdom, Melissa! Q1. Which is more important, the cover letter or the CV? Our guest host Melissa said: A1: Cover letters will give employers their very first impression of you. It often decides if they look at your CV. Make it count #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 Our #DebutTalk participants said: Both! Id say both documents are complimentary to one another. Important to get both right the first time. #DebutTalk https://t.co/rFkAm0FB6O â€" Jonathan Warner???? (@JonathanRomelle) January 19, 2017 A1. The cover letter can give you that edge. Lets your interviewer know what your attitude and achievements are from the jump #DebutTalk https://t.co/8rcX07y2zz â€" Alex Ekong (@andthenalexsaid) January 19, 2017 A1: I think cover letters say more about you as a person, and give the chance to speak, rather than a removed, numerical based CV #DebutTalk https://t.co/gvlHhvItXF â€" Elizabeth Hurst (@BethHursty) January 19, 2017 @DebutCareers honestly, Im personally against cover letters, and I honestly believe that CV wont last that long either. #DebutTalk â€" Ben Donkor ?? (@FR314) January 19, 2017 Q2. What should you never write in a cover letter? Our guest host Melissa said: A2: The wrong company name is a definite no-no. It has happened make sure it doesnt happen to you! #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 Our #DebutTalk participants said: @DebutCareers A2. Anything that your CV proves isnt true or anything that you cant talk about if asked during an interview. #DebutTalk â€" Zaki Dogliani (@ZakiDogliani) January 19, 2017 A2: DONT repeat your CV take a few points, yes, but show that you know what the company does why YOU want to work for THEM. #DebutTalk https://t.co/CCXj4NtFLc â€" Sorfina Shamsudin (@SorfinaMusic) January 19, 2017 A2: (a) Buzzwords! Nobody wants to know if youre the 15th passionate candidate in a row. Its not a Mills and Boon novel! #DebutTalk https://t.co/RA5RIZ4j0y â€" Jonathan Warner???? (@JonathanRomelle) January 19, 2017 A2: (b) and overly personal covering letters. Personality can be shared for the interview. The papers are strictly business. #DebutTalk https://t.co/RA5RIZ4j0y â€" Jonathan Warner???? (@JonathanRomelle) January 19, 2017 A2. Any lies can be picked apart quickly. Dont Pinocchio your way through your application, no matter how tempting. #DebutTalk https://t.co/JydD1YKoF3 â€" Brenda Wong ???? (@brendaisarebel) January 19, 2017 Q2: Dear [wrong name because youre applying for multiple jobs and did a quick copy and paste job] I would LOVE to work for you #DebutTalk https://t.co/j2OVyDCjrh â€" Rich Cooper (@richcooper) January 19, 2017 @DebutCareers A2. Non authentic language: no need to beef up your lingo to appear like you read the Oxford Dictionary for sport #DebutTalk â€" Ben Donkor ?? (@FR314) January 19, 2017 @DebutCareers A2. Also dont write in different formats, interviewer could easily think youve copied pieces from diff sites. #DebutTalk â€" Ben Donkor ?? (@FR314) January 19, 2017 Q3. How long should a cover letter be, and why? Our guest host Melissa said: A3: Be concise, a couple of paragraphs, but no more than an A4 page. Employers are busy people. #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 A3: I follow this rule: 1) A LITTLE about you 2) Something you like about the company 3) Why you want the job#DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 A3: I like to hold some anecdotes back for the actual interview. You dont want to tell your entire story in a cover letter. #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 Our #DebutTalk participants said: A3: I usually do an A4 page with four paragraphs max, and an impactful, confident sign off #Hireme #DebutTalk https://t.co/aDv81mXk2s â€" Elizabeth Hurst (@BethHursty) January 19, 2017 A3. There arent a lot of things you cant get across in 3 or 4 paragraphs. No more than a side of A4 imo #DebutTalk https://t.co/BqeQ4GSfWk â€" Alex Ekong (@andthenalexsaid) January 19, 2017 A3: A side of A4, keep it relevant to the company and specific role being applied to. #DebutTalk https://t.co/h8Uf8oHRho â€" André Walters (@_andrewalters) January 19, 2017 A3. Agree with all the length advice. However STRUCTURE is also key vary length of sentences and paragraphs to keep it visual #DebutTalk https://t.co/fzyeYHQGJG â€" Brenda Wong ???? (@brendaisarebel) January 19, 2017 Q4. Should you be more formal or more conversational in a cover letter? Our guest host Melissa said: Formal or conversational? @Melissa_FK weighs in:#DebutTalk https://t.co/D42QKa0yOD â€" Debut (@DebutCareers) January 19, 2017 A4: Style matching your cover letter to the job application itself is key. If the company seem fun dont be too formal. #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 Our #DebutTalk participants said: A4: I go for formal w/ a hint of personality its like the impression before the first impression. Gotta win them over bruh ?? #DebutTalk https://t.co/qJpcfszyYs â€" Sorfina Shamsudin (@SorfinaMusic) January 19, 2017 A4: It always depends on the job, but just like you can never be overdressed or overeducated, you cant really be too formal #DebutTalk https://t.co/C1q6pCcWVD â€" Elizabeth Hurst (@BethHursty) January 19, 2017 A4. Always consider who youre applying for. Stalk their social media accounts and emulate their copy tone! #DebutTalk https://t.co/7hWv97Fua0 â€" Brenda Wong ???? (@brendaisarebel) January 19, 2017 Q5. How should people approach writing cover letters if they feel theyre not strong writers? Our guest host Melissa said: A5: Start with bullet points and structure the cover letter around them. Always read it aloud to yourself before you hit send. #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 Our #DebutTalk participants said: A5: Write like youre eloquently explaining to a friend why youd like the job youre applying for. Flowing and natural is good #DebutTalk https://t.co/aWn8LFArFj â€" Elizabeth Hurst (@BethHursty) January 19, 2017 A5: 1? Believe that theyre valuable, cos they are 2? Always get a second opinion 3? Walk around in the recruiter/readers shoes#DebutTalk https://t.co/eBMKTChadL â€" Brenda Wong ???? (@brendaisarebel) January 19, 2017 A5: Take extra time with it. Get people to proof read it and find a formula that suits you. #DebutTalk https://t.co/ei6LUkQlq1 â€" April Roach (@aprilroach28) January 19, 2017 Q6. Is it possible to write the perfect, one-size-fits all cover letter? Our guest host Melissa said: A6: Employers can ALWAYS tell when a cover letter has been generically copied and pasted to all. Just dont do it! #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 A6: If youre tempted to write a standard cover letter always include at least a sentence about the company youre applying for#DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 A6: No two jobs are exactly the same so no two cover letters should be exactly the same either. #DebutTalk â€" Melissa (@Melissa_FK) January 19, 2017 Our #DebutTalk participants said: Its fine to copy examples of relevant experience. But always start with what the employer has written first. #DebutTalk â€" Cat Turhan (@cattyfantastic) January 19, 2017 A6. Nah, you HAVE to tailor it. Different jobs will want different skills highlighted. Personalisation makes all the difference! #DebutTalk https://t.co/oegAYWcR9C â€" Alex Ekong (@andthenalexsaid) January 19, 2017 A6. No, have a basic template to work from but every application should have a unique letter #DebutTalk https://t.co/jNwzpH3Z7y â€" Matt Thomas (@MattfromDebut) January 19, 2017 A6:Perfection is shallow, unreal, and fatally uninteresting Anne Lamott. Just do you #DebutTalk https://t.co/SwvGSkHyxJ â€" Elizabeth Hurst (@BethHursty) January 19, 2017 For even more insights, check out our #DebutTalk: Cover Letters Twitter Moment.   ?????? A huge thank you to our guest @Melissa_FK for hosting #DebutTalk this week! And a huge thanks to everyone who took part. What a sesh! pic.twitter.com/Ii9JAYw7lE â€" Debut (@DebutCareers) January 19, 2017 Next weeks #DebutTalk: Next weeks #DebutTalk is going to be ??! A special guest will be joining us to talk about Diversity at work. Join us, next Thursday 5pm. pic.twitter.com/i1ERZgYlPS â€" Debut (@DebutCareers) January 19, 2017 Download the Debut app and  get Talent-Spotted by amazing graduate employers! Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter