When it comes down to it, the job of a Recruiter is simple… We’re Matchmakers at heart. We want to set you up- no, not on your dream date- but on your dream job interview. We’ll do most of the hard work, but there are some things to remember when it comes to landing that dream job and living a long and happy life together.
- The Set-Up.
Be social! It’s your best bet to being found online by Recruiters and Hiring Managers that will see your experience and reach out. Update your profile and/or resume with plenty of keywords and responsibilities from your current and past positions. Join LinkedIn groups and share interesting articles related to the industry you want to work in. Build your network and don’t hesitate to send new connections a “Thanks for connecting” message. It could be the perfect meet-cute between you and your recruiter.
- The Get-to-know-you Period.
Talking to a recruiter is not a professional interview. While you want to showcase your capabilities and accomplishments, be truthful and honest. What didn’t you like about your last job? Was there a key factor that made it difficult to reach your goals or numbers that led to a termination? Be able to express the problem so you know what to look for in your next role. A Recruiter can then better understand your expectations and find an opportunity that matches those.
- The Proposal.
Once you have been working with a recruiter, have a solid relationship and they know what you really want in a job, test out some roles. Your recruiter will most likely present you with multiple opportunities and it never hurts to take a look. Research the company and if your not sure if it’s for you, attend an interview anyway. Sometimes you need to kiss a few frogs before you find your Prince.
You can learn a lot about a company by a quick phone interview. Hear them out, and listen to what they have to say about the open position and their company culture. They want to sell you on the role just as much as you want to sell your skill set.
- The Wedding Day.
Your recruiter can walk you down the aisle, but when you get to the altar it’s just you and the Hiring Manager. Show them why you’re perfect for the role and how you can really hit the ground running. Know your metrics from previous positions and prove you’ve done your research on the company. Ask questions to figure out what the company expects from you, who you’ll be working under, how the most successful employee can drive results, etc. Dress the part, and act as polished and professional as possible.
- Make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled interview
- Turn off your cell phone
- Bring Important Tools and Items including a notebook and pens, extra copies of your resume
- Greet the Interviewer with a strong handshake and make frequent eye contact
- The Thank You Notes.
You made it through the ceremony without any unexpected “I objects!” (Phew!). Take some time when you get home to figure out if the role is right for you. Regardless, it’s always the right thing to do to follow-up with a thank you note. Anyone can say “Thanks for your time, I enjoyed meeting you”, But you want your note to be special and memorable. While some employers would prefer to hear feedback through your Recruiter, think of something specific that you learned about the company while in the interview, and restate some of your strengths that qualify you for the position. Remind them why they can’t go on without you. Even if you feel the role isn’t for you, it’s best to keep genuine connections in the industry with anyone you can. Your recruiter will pass along the message, and return any feedback from the Employer as well.
- The Honeymoon
You landed the dream job! Be patient with your new spouse… or company. Remember how important first impressions can be, and although you’ve met your new co-workers and boss already, they are watching you closely to see if you can stick to your vows. Remember to always ask questions. You’re new and it’s better to ask and learn than to do something the wrong way. Be in touch with your recruiter, after all, they’re the ones who introduced you to your new job! From here, it should be smooth sailing to Paradise… or at least to the water cooler.
For more information on landing your dream transportation and logistics job, check out CS Recruiting on LinkedIn or at www.cs-recruiting.com.