In my thoughts I think a lot of recruiters and some HR people really don't know the jobs they enlisted to fill. So I don’t offend anyone, I didn’t say everyone!! I said a lot of and some. Anyone can read a description and match word for word, but what happen to finding the skilled candidate. Do people really sit and read resumes anymore or do they just let the computer dial up keywords.
I recently received a plug from a recruiter for a job I had years of experience in. However on the description it clearly stated PHD and a level 3 certs was required. Now the certs weren’t hard to obtain based on the qualifications but what was this guy thinking sending me the post for the job requiring a PHD? I said what the heck I have the experience why not give it a shot. I sent it in and they received it. I followed up and the Recruiter replied. The 2 major requirements were the PHD and the Level 3 certs. He stated I don't see it anywhere on your resume. DUH! I knew that. That's why I scratched my head in wonderment why he sent it to me to begin with. I guess I’m at fault because I should have initially just ignored the invite to send my resume in, but I simply thought that maybe with the experience at hand I might prevail.That was the only response I received. This simply told me that some don't bother reading resumes.
I realize there's a lot to read and go through. I've been there, done that. But what recruiters, headhunters and HR peeps may be missing is the old adage of a diamond in the rough. The ole saying that a computer is only as good as the information being put in. In this case extracted. They may just be missing out on a fine cut diamond in all the mix if they're not reading and physically doing some work instead of allowing electronics to persevere. I love my electronics and we all depend on them, but let's face it, sometimes the wheel has been invented and some still have no clue how to make it roll.
I like to think recruiters are no different than I am.I wake in the morning trying to fulfill my day. As stated this relates to some,not all.I have a time-line; a calendar system to follow in order to be successful. I drink my coffee;I eat my lunch;I even cook for the elderly so the ones I take care of have something to eat. My principals are no different than when I was employed.I followed a strategic mindset.Unlike the statistics of the average job-seeker spends 12 minutes a day looking for a job. I do feel like an exception to these statistics as I'm sure many do.I spend the rest of my day which can easily be 8 to 13 hours searching through approx.18 sites,physically reading, personalizing resumes, emailing, following up etc.I guess I could use the sites that guarantees they will send your resume to 87 sites for you freeing your time to watch Oprah, Judge Judy, but I like to know where my resume is going,who may be receiving it; what company I'm interested in working for. This in itself weeds out who I'm not interested in talking to. As a recruiter I would hope there are those that better fit the qualifications of recruiting by doing the same. Physically sorting reading trying to make the appropriate resumes fit the positions. I would hope those that fit the position know the important points for the job they're looking for applicants to fill. How many times (I can attest to it) the recruiter sent me computer listings that was contacted before even knowing anything about the individual that they quickly qualified as a potential applicant only to find out when they came in; the only words I can relate to was "You have to be kidding!"
You can't beat personalization.As a recruiter you also have the ability to weed out people you don't want to consider if you did the reading, research,etc.I've seen it also, hurry to talk to the cute secretary, time to play a round of golf, oh I have to leave early, time to read the news online. No wonder it takes so long to get through 300 resumes that's coming in. Honest day's work for honest day salary? hmm.. No wonder expenses are so high for so many companies. Everything does have its place.
Job-hunting is turning into the same game as everything else. I use to watch installers do jobs just to hurry up; get the check.Worry about the issues later when they come up. Now a days it doesn't matter how much experience you have; the dedication; input you've put into a job in order to use it down the road in a better position or a top company, people are just filling jobs just to get that check because the right keywords were used. As I was told by one interviewer that I truly enjoyed his take.He questioned but the relationship he made during the interview was something to appreciate.He was a headhunter, but he did his homework; knew what he was looking for,I could tell he actually read the resume. Although I didn't make the cut due to lacking one feature that was noticed during the discussion,I can honestly say this is how I would expect a recruiter to act. He stated I have to do a good job because I don't get paid until you get hired. But despite that statement, he covered the bases making me feel like I was a classic case knowing that his reading my resume and talking with me he could tell I was dedicated, wanting to work, honest, had integrity and a professional at what I did.If personalization was key many diamonds may be found that have otherwise been kicked back into the dirt.Can a database pull this information out or would you have not picked up on this unless it was a keyword? I follow technology, I believe in change, but some things you really have to question and wonder if it's really worth the time and effort. I agree with a co-writer that whether it's Attorneys, politicians, mechanics, real estate brokers... it applies equally to everyone. No-one owes anyone anything,but the ability to show people a little dignity, honesty and personalization will far outreach any technology we're using today or possibly even the future.
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