Published by: Matthew Fulbrook
I wrote to you but you still aint callin’
I left my cell, my pager and my home phone at the bottom... of my email I sent with the job description, company links and right to represent.
For a recruiter there isn’t anything worse than finding “the unicorn in the rough” (see previous blog) for them to not take your calls, answer your emails or even not to attend interviews.
But looking at the situation from the other angle there must be a reason why certain candidates (and trust me there is only a small percentage) turn unresponsive doing a complete U-turn from the initial call. There are many reasons why but I do think one of the big factors is the relationship between candidates and recruiters.
Firstly, applying for a new job with the assistance of a professional recruiter can make even the most strenuous hiring process feel like a walk in the park. The professional recruiter’s job is to make life as simple as possible and in most cases job hunting can be a pretty stressful and scary place. A happy, confident, stress free candidate will always perform well throughout the process particularly in the interview stages giving them a better account of themselves and a higher percentage of eventually receiving that job offer.
Now I know what you’re thinking, what makes a professional recruiter and how do I find one of them?
Easy
A professional recruiter will make life simple whilst being readily available and informative not just about the process but giving real insights into the client and how candidates will fit into the respective organisation(s). A real pro will give candidates a clear road-map from the initial call avoiding any uncertainty or potential mishaps at all hiring stages.
Feedback is key even if there isn’t any. I don’t suggest any consultant inundate candidates with pointless phone calls or emails but a simple check up every few days will put job seekers minds at ease and let them know that they haven’t been forgotten. Rejections are important as well, not only to let candidates know why they didn’t get through but useful information that they can use in future processes.
Even the best “professional” recruiters can only do so much and the perfect hiring processes are a synergy between consultant and candidate where hints, tips, advice and interview preparation are all digested and used within the interview itself. Here at Tangent we pride ourselves on our professionalism and strive to be a “professional recruiter” to clients and candidates of ours (winner of Best Candidate Care) to make processes as seamless as possible.
Tip – once you’ve identified a professional recruiter make the most of them
These guys are like gold dust and a good professional recruiter will give you the best chance to get that “dream” job. It’s a 2 way street and if the both parties give their all this makes a perfect hiring process. They are a fountain of knowledge not just about the company and interview stages but also a calming influence to any worries or concerns that candidates may have.
Yes there are other reasons why job seekers may avoid agencies, but on the whole it is about the relationship professional recruiters have with their candidates, the clear picture of what will be expected throughout the hiring process, advice and tips not only given but acted upon during interviews, feedback at all stages and most important an open line of communication between candidate and consultant from start to finish. The perfect process is one where the candidate is receptive and where the recruiter gives the job seekers the right tools to use, forming a great relationship giving the best chance of success!