No Self Sabotage...Avoid These During the Hiring Process

5 Things To Avoid During The Hiring Process
Here are five things to avoid sabotaging your chances of landing that dream job:

Excessive Follow-Up/Reaching Out

There’s nothing wrong with following up with a recruiter once you’ve either had an exploratory conversation or an interview. However, if the recruiter has stated a specific time frame as to when he/she will be reaching back out with next steps, be sure to at least allow that time period to end before following up. There are a variety of steps within the recruitment life cycle and you never know what client calls the recruiter has to complete, prior to being able to provide you with clarification on whether or not your candidacy will be taken further.

Reaching Out To A Client Directly

In some cases during the hiring process, you may be interacting mostly with a recruiter, as opposed to dealing directly with the hiring manager of a particular company. Occasionally, potential candidates will overstep the recruiter and attempt to contact the hiring manager directly. This tactic rarely bodes well for the candidate or the client.

Clients contract or retain recruiters and search firms not only to locate top talent, but also to serve as an intermediary between themselves and potential candidates. Many companies enjoy a sense of anonymity during the initial phase of the recruitment process, due to various reasons including previously established business relationships, the sensitivity of open positions, and the lack of time and resources to execute the search internally.

This is especially the case if the need for someone to play “bad cop” arises, as that responsibility typically falls on the recruiter to provide feedback from the client or merely inform the candidate of the requirements that he/she does not currently meet in order to be considered for the role.

It is imperative to follow the formal recruitment process set forth by the recruiter, regardless of a personal relationship one may have with a client.

Tip: If you know someone personally, either at the company or on the hiring team for an opportunity you’re exploring, simply mention that to the recruiter and ask if he/she can reach out to that person on your behalf.
Lack Of Honesty And Open Communication

Throughout the recruitment process, there will be a verification of information including education, current employment, and reference checks. If you are currently unemployed, be upfront with the recruiter and say so in the initial conversation. Also, be sure to update your resume and any online career profile you may have, so there is no confusion.

When a Recruiter inquires as to whether or not you have a degree (because it’s unclear on your resume), be honest! We all know the result of how a “mishap” in unclear education information turned out for ex Yahoo! CEO Scott Thompson. While most companies tend to have a penchant towards those who at least hold an undergraduate degree, there are times where clients prefer more hands-on industry experience.

Delayed Response Time And Lack Of Commitment To The Process

Recruiters will typically keep you abreast of when they will be discussing your background with the client, so be sure to communicate any upcoming travel plans to your recruiter, ensuring that he/she is aware of when you might be more difficult to reach. This is also important, as you may be requested to complete additional documents or assessments which are time sensitive.

It is never in your favor to leave your recruiter without an explanation for why he/she can’t reach you or why you haven’t returned your completed documents. The client will always want to know what the delay is (instead of assuming you’re no longer interested), so make sure your recruiter can truly be an advocate for you at all times.

Pleading A Case For “Must Have” Requirements Clearly Not Met

If you absolutely do not meet a minimum/non-negotiable requirement, it’s always best to be up front with the recruiter. There’s nothing wrong with providing a brief overview of how you believe additional experience you have might serve as an asset. However, one of the worst things a potential candidate can do while on the phone or in an interview with a recruiter or hiring manager is spend time providing an irrelevant, verbose answer to a question about a specific qualification the candidate does not possess. This will only prove to the recruiter that you’re either not listening or you don’t fully comprehend the necessary requirements to be successful in the role.


Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/hiring-process-avoid/#HjJpLeSkOMXBDb0i.99

Tips For De-Stressing Your Job Search

1. Take Stock In What You Have

When did our personal worth become indicative upon a j-o-b? No doubt, the loss of income will force us to make some difficult decisions, but never will our income, possessions, or number of/type of credit cards we hold even come close to representing our self-worth.

My husband reminded me yesterday of what beautiful grandsons we have; and no matter the kind of day I’m having, or the day they’ve had, we grace each other with smiles, hugs, and kisses.

They don’t care about the job I have (or that I even have one); they don’t care about the fanciness of clothes I wear; they don’t care about successes and failures I’ve had in my professional life. They care about my well-being, my happiness, and about the fullness of my “you’re loved” Grammy meter.

It’s too dang easy to lose sight of what really does matter, sadly concerning ourselves more about what’s secondary, maybe even irrelevant (i.e. Why didn’t I get a response to my resume; why didn’t I get that call from the recruiter like he promised; and, why am I not getting interviews). You can stress about the “whys,” but at the end of the day, they are meaningless.

2. Embrace That You’re A Pea In A Pod

So many around you are facing the same job search challenges, and although it might feel like you’re alone, maybe on your own deserted island, you are not alone.

I bet you have plenty to offer others who are unemployed – even if it’s just an open ear. What’s the best way for us to de-stress and shift focus from our own problems? Helping others always works for me.

Where Can You Find A “Pea” Buddy? How About…

Online forums
Local job clubs
Business groups
Networking events
“Let’s conquer this together.” (Unknown)

3. Get Out Every Day

Visit your local library, and yes, the local unemployment office. Being unemployed doesn’t mean you need to be in seclusion, facing the uphill battle all on your own.

Don’t overlook transition assistant programs for those who’ve left the military, the resources provided from local employment centers, and the benefits that result from just talking with people.

Here’s another “insider tip” that few use:Visit your Chambers of Commerce. You’d be amazed how wonderful the people are who man these offices… and wow, what a terrific resource they can be. These people are so helpful, and I guarantee you won’t leave your Chamber’s office unsatisfied.

For example, they can provide details on upcoming business networking events (great for meeting professionals in your area), provide you with a membership directory (packed full of local companies, addresses, and sometimes, contact names), and on occasion can provide job leads.

Need Additional Ideas For Getting Out Every Day?

Meet your significant other for lunch; brainstorm on job search strategies and ideas worth pursuing. In fact, ask for more than just advice…ask for hands-on help. An extra pair of eyes and hands can go a long way.
Go yard sale-ing – crazy! I know. It’s fun though… and fun is a great de-stresser. Ah, but mention you’re searching for a job as you casually peruse each sale’s offerings. You’ll be amazed how many job leads you’ll uncover using this unorthodox method.
Join area business groups that have “power lunch sessions” – many of the ABWA groups have daily power lunch meetings for professionals wanting that daily “kick in the pants” of motivation.
4. Grab A Drink And Curl Up With A Good Book

Never overlook the calming effect of just sitting still and taking time for yourself. If you feel guilty stepping away from your job search, opt for a self-help book to brush up your time management skills, or whatever skill you wish to improve upon, or go with something like the following:

What Color is Your Parachute written by Richard Nelson Bolles (Great read!)
Who Moved My Cheese written by Spencer Johnson (Funny stuff!)

Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/4-de-stressing-tips-for-your-job-search/#XulPSOVD2HxzmhI3.99