In the course of your business life, you will undoubtedly piss a few people off. Recruiters, by nature, look for the best in people. We make our living by perceiving you in a positive light and representing you to our clients. Like any salespeople with integrity, we want to have confidence in our product. We want to believe in you!
Still, there are people who we don’t just ignore, but who actively avoid. “Hate” may be too strong a word, but you will definitely cause some eye rolling on the other end of the line, if you exhibit the following behaviors:
- You expect too much. Please don’t call me and expect me to find you a job. As a retained executive search professional, clients call on me to find individuals with very specific backgrounds. Candidates that do not fit our positions may still be valued contacts, but we work for clients, not for candidates.
- You talk too much. You need to check yourself any time you interview for a new position. Recruiters may have more tolerance than hiring managers, but don’t be abusive. Ask your audience if you are giving them what they need. I would say to pause your conversation every couple of minutes would be a good rule of thumb. You might ask, “Is this helpful? Do you need more or less detail?”
- You oversell. We want to know that you are excellent, but we also want to believe what you say. Present your credentials to us, but keep in mind we speak with people like you everyday. You need to differentiate yourself, but you can’t fool us into believing you are something that you are not.
- You don’t listen. Enough said.
- You say one thing and do another. Don’t make promises you cannot keep and set expectations appropriately.
- You treat us like “friends of convenience.” You get in touch when you need a job, but don’t help us network. Networking is our life’s blood. Take our call!
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