Ten Secrets From A Staffing Pro For Your Job Search

Posted by • December 21st, 2009 • 4 Comments

You have a better chance of getting hired if you know how recruiters think. So I have started asking some of the recruiters I know to answer some questions for you.

Our first volunteer is a great recruiter and sourcer named Sean Rehder. I have worked with Sean for years, and he always seems to be able to find great people. He has a no-nonsense attitude that comes from his Wisconsin upbringing. He has worked with some of the fastest growing companies including Dolby, Genentech, Electronic Arts, CNET, MGM Mirage, and he also worked as a third-party recruiter. You can learn more about Sean at his website (http://www.seanrehder.com/).

The dumbest thing a candidate ever told me… I need you to send me bail money.

I go the extra mile for a candidate when… They are responsive, fair, open to suggestions, and make it clear they WANT the job.

I prefer referrals because… It goes back to knowing someone’s past and their accomplishments.  What is better than a referral, is a clear recommendation.

The best way to turn a bad interview around is…  Ask “Is there any reason now that you would not hire me?”  Then address those issues.

My favorite source for great talent is…  Peers.  Goes back to experience and how well does someone work, long term, and on the job.

The optimal length of a resume is… 2 pages….that’s it.  But, I believe a true recruiters’ job is to set interviews, not submit resumes.

This is what I look for when I read a resume / profile...  Accomplishments. Accomplishments. Accomplishments.

I read the objective section of a resume because... This is the opportunity for the candidate to “wow” me…hardly ever happens because they usually aren’t original.

I have never hired a candidate who…  Couldn’t provide me recommendations from 2 of the last 3 managers they worked for or at least back 3 years.

The one thing I wish candidates understood is…. Don’t take it personally if you don’t get the job.  It’s a lot to do about timing and your competition.  Be nice, and try again.

Thanks Sean!

If you have other questions you would like me to ask please send them to jjhunter@gmail.com.

Guest Blogger Jeff Hunter is a member of the Glassdoor.com Clearview Collection and is an award-winning technologist, strategist, author and entrepreneur. He currently serves as the Vice President of HR Solutions at Dolby Laboratories. Prior to joining Dolby, Jeff served as Sr. Director of EA University at Electronic Arts, the world’s largest digital entertainment company. In 2007, Jeff launched the “Talent Unconference” a meeting of the top minds in HR, business and technology to discuss new methods for developing and driving talent-centric businesses.

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Career Advice, Interviews
  • radoslav

    Carpe diem

  • radoslav

    carpe diem

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