Like many things in life, the more you know about all sides of a process, the more effective you are when trying to get things done within that process (does that make sense?). Why do you think most athletic coaches were once players OR why most sports broadcasters were once coaches ? Why in the PR world are those former reporters or journalist much better media pitchers?
So here we go, I am going to let the cat out of the bag. What actually happens when you submit your resume for a position? What about when you send your resume to a general "job" inbox? What if there are no posted positions at a company but you want to work there? Or what is an appropriate relationship with a recruiter and how many times can you actually reach out to them? Let's find out!!
Every company and every recruiter is going to be a little different (I know, not helpful) but as a rule of thumb I think you can probably break down the recruitment side of your job search into 2 categories. The large, everyone want to work there companies and the small to mid-sized and sometimes less organized companies. These are going to be 2 very different experiences with 2 very different approaches.
Let's start BIG - PepsiCo, Google, Edelman, Whole Foods, McKinsey, Ernst and Young, Booz Allen, Microsoft, Alflac Etc...
- Applicant Tracking System AKA a computer run data base that will knock you out of consideration if you don't meet the minimum requirements (degree, GPA, correctly fill out the application). You probably notice that when you apply for a position you have fill out a long detailed form, you might be asked questions, you might have rank things, etc. The system will be the first set of eyes on your resume. You will typically have to apply to a specific job so make sure when you fill out your application, you know what job you are applying for. ADVICE: First, don't apply to every job at the company, when I used to see that we would automatically decline that person because is was so foolish. Second, Pay attention and DO NOT make any mistakes here or you might never get past this round.
- Human Eyes If you pass through the first round, your resume will then be viewed by human eyes. And when I say viewed, I mean skimmed over for about 3 seconds. Large companies receive hundreds/thousands of resumes so recruiters typically only have seconds to see your resume. ADVICE: So stand out. Highlight the most relevant aspects of your resume and draw the recruiters eye to them. Ask a friend to skim your resume and see what stands out. If they don't see what you want the recruiter to see, don't submit your resume yet.
- Automated E-Mail Once your resume is in, you will also receive an automated e-mail that says "We have received your e-mail and will be in touch if you are being considered." Many people ask me if they should contact the recruiter to make sure they received the resume... NOTHING would piss me off more. ADVICE: If you receive that e-mail, take it as a sign to find a more creative way in, recruiter is probably not the way to go. If I was you, i would go to LinkedIn and find someone at the company that can help you get in the door (someone from your home town, someone that went to your Alma mater, someone that was in your sorority/fraternity, someone that is a friend of a friend). Referrals are typically all receive an curtsy interview.
