Finding Work in the Pandemic — How to Handle Working with Recruiters
Written by: Tom Paine, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Being out of work is hard enough, then the pandemic hit, creating mass unemployment. In some sectors, finding a new job has never been tougher. Even finding an interview is can be hard. Unemployment in the UK was at 5.1% in Feb 2021, the highest since 2016.
Now, throw some recruiters into the mix, and you’ve got a whole ocean of challenges facing you. Notorious for being elusive, recruitment consultants work on behalf of companies to find their perfect candidate. They offer a high-value service, but this can often be at the expense of vulnerable job seekers, who’ve become jaded by unemployment.
Having worked in the Recruitment Sector for over 10 years, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a way to get your CV in front of hiring managers. You can get your name to the top of the CV shortlist. It’s not easy, but there are things that you can do as a job seeker to give you the best chance of being seen.
Here are a few examples of the kind of issues you may experience with a recruiter:
1. Little to no interest in your CV. The recruiter ignores your key experience for the position, choosing not to process your application.
2. Your CV gets lost in the hundreds of applicants applying for the same post. You receive no communication on whether you’ve made the shortlist.
3. You feel like you’re just a number. The recruiter doesn’t seem to get you or your experience
On both sides of the fence, I've been there as a job seeker and a recruiter. It can be hard to see things from the recruiter’s perspective. They are under immense pressure to make sales, which can come at the expense of the right levels of customer service.
From their point of view, they might say that they’re being bombarded with CVs. They may also point out that they don’t have the time to speak to everyone who shows interest in the role. Try not to get sucked into this, though, as there is a lot that you can do for your chances.
Here are few tricks of the trade to help you get noticed. Here’s how to work with a recruiter in 2021:
First off, make sure you call them to explain why you are right for the position. Your CV could get lost in a pile of applications if you don’t do this.
Second, give them specific examples of when you have done the job before, be explicit. The recruiter isn’t the expert in the process. Help them to understand why you are the best fit.
Finally, get references from former employers. These should specifically say when you performed in the role that you are applying for. Encourage the recruiter to use these references to sell your application. Everyone loves a recommendation!
Hurdles in life are crossed by taking decisive action towards an end goal. If you are struggling to find work, these tips will help you to influence your recruiter and get right in front of hiring managers that hold the opportunities!
Tom Paine, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Tom Paine is a Certified Life Coach, offering expertise in resilience, confidence growth and relationship management. Professionally, Tom spent 10 years working in the Recruitment sector, where he built an excellent reputation as a specialist IT Consultant, eventually becoming a Business Manager, leading sales teams responsible for £8m annual turnover for global and SME organizations, relocating to London and Manchester. At its peak, Tom’s sales team operated at 18 staff, ranging from Junior Consultants to Principals, Managers and Team Leaders.
Tom coaches people based on their needs, supporting them to overcome restrictions in their life. Tom's clients experience a renewed sense of confidence, well-being and energy enabling them to take a control of their lives, to start living with happiness and fulfillment. He blends corporate experience, spirituality and goal setting to amazing effect.
