How to win over the recruiter in the job search?
Just remember during the job search, recruiters are looking for someone who is bright, tenacious, people-friendly. Has stamina, can multi-task and has a willing attitude, for instance.
Leading human resource recruiters agree that the key caveats of an applicant process are:
Resume
Simple format – no fancy fonts or borders. Even if you are trying out for a graphic arts job, your style pizazz should show in your portfolio, not on your resume, for instance. This is a case of less is more when in process of the job search.
- Do not use nicknames or unprofessional e-mail addresses.
- Moreover, no outlandish statements of any kind, like “I am the best in my field,” even if it’s true.
- Check for typos or grammatical errors.
- Never lie about employment, experience, education or dates.
A level of sophistication revealing or alluding to education and polish. An excellent vocabulary is not something to be ashamed of. Don’t dumb it down during the job search.
Straightforward and explanatory–no obfuscating, convoluted or vague language which will baffle recruiter.
Appropriate qualifications to do the job for which you are applying. If light on background, don’t discount any experience, there are redeeming qualities in almost all experience.
Cover Letter
Should reflect ability to communicate effectively and convey individual qualities which make you a valuable addition to staff. It should not be merely perfunctory. It should be compelling, inducing the recruiter to read the résumé and then call you in for an interview.
Interview
Above all, after skills, the most important quality is attitude. Whether you’re interviewing for a position as a manager or a lower position, be positive and convey the feeling that you will give a good day’s work for a day’s pay. First jobs are an important stepping stone and should be treated with respect.
A recruiter’s nightmare is the individual who thinks they are too good to do anything. They deem beneath their dignity, has a poor work attitude. Is rigid in their expectations and thinks the employer owes them something … no matter how well qualified otherwise. It is the recruiter’s job to weed those people out.
Be forthright, sincere and enthusiastic, without whining, grovelling or ingratiating yourself. Don’t be superficial, gratuitous and transparent in flattery. Be prepared–know something about the company, its history, accomplishments, objectives, and how you can contribute to its goals. Ask questions showing an interest in the company’s mission and philosophy.
- Don’t dominate the conversation.
- Do not ramble.
- Don’t engage in nervous chit-chat to delay recruiter’s probing questions.
- Listen, then answer succinctly.
- Never lie or embellish the truth.
Most importantly, there’s no shame in admitting you don’t know the answer to a question. However, you can turn that around to your advantage by asking the recruiter to elaborate and that may turn the interview in a more favorable direction, for instance.
Non-entertainment corporate jobs
Dress simply, modestly/conservatively. No leather or sequins, no see-through or tube tops, mini-skirts, bare midriff, low-rider, hip-hugging or camel-toe clothes. No visible piercing, tattoos, exotic hairstyles, makeup or mandarin-length nail wraps, and no excessive jewelry. First impressions count, and if you make the wrong one you won’t get the job. There’s a lot of tasteful style latitude between male stripper and monk or dominatrix and nun. And don’t play dumb, you do know the difference.
Entertainment-related jobs
In conclusion, you can be a little more style trendy but not over the top because all entertainment jobs have a corporate connection.