How flexible are you?

As a recruiter I have direct access to hiring managers. This allows me to understand their needs beyond what is written in the job posting. Whether it’s information about the company culture, what they’re looking for in a candidate’s personality, or how they determine who they’d like to interview, I’ve got an inside track.

How can this help you? Well, for starters it lets me help you focus your resume for a particular position.

I know, I know, you’ve spent countless hours, and hundreds of dollars fine tuning your resume. You’ve had advice from everyone under the sun on how to format it, key words to use, and what catches an employer’s eye. That’s great; you’re 90% there (well, most of the time)! The last 10% is where your recruiter comes in.

If you’re a good fit for a position I’m filling I want to be sure your resume accentuates the needs of the hiring manager. If I ask you to add some bullets to highlight various experiences of your career, I’m doing so with your best interests in mind. Be flexible, make the updates, it just might get you an interview.

Oh, and if I didn’t ask you to change anything, don’t be afraid to ask if there’s anything you can do to give your resume the edge. I, and whoever your recruiter is, will be glad to help.

Al Walsh

awalsh@gouldintelligent.com

http://www.gouldintelligent.com/

Things that make me go "Hmmmmm."

As a recruiter I post job openings on various job boards. My goal, of course, is to find the best candidate for my client. So, candidates, be sure to put your best foot forward from the beginning!

To start with, please read the post! Does the job fit your experience and skill level? Does the post have special instructions on how to apply for the position?

How a candidate replies to a job post tells me a lot about them. I typically ask for a Word formatted resume and that it be sent to a specific email address with a job code in the subject area. You're starting off on the right foot if you do all three of these things! It shows you've read my instructions and it makes my job easier. (Hey, I like that!)

Cover letters and/or introduction emails are a good thing! I can't tell you how many people send me resumes with a blank email. You don't need to write a book. Simply state that you have an interest in position "xyz" and would like more information, or would like to discuss it. Also, be sure to include your contact information and the best time to call. If you want to add in some specifics about your experience that make you perfect for the job, great!

Take another look at the job description and skill requirements. Are you a match? Are you significantly under or over qualified? If you feel you're a match or close to a match, by all means apply for the position. If you're a truck driver (nothing against truck drivers, honest), then you probably shouldn't be applying to a senior database administration position.

Hope this helps!

www.gouldintelligent.com

Alan Walsh

Personal Weblog of Recruiter Alan Walsh - IT Recruiting and Sales at Gould Intelligent, LLC - Supppoter of Scottsdale Job Network located in the Greater Phoenix Arizona Area.

His Linkedin Profile can be found here:

Alan Walsh