Using the Shotgun approach

Whether you are a hunter or not, you probably know that the choice of a specific type of gun is critical and based on the game you hope to bag.  As an example, you wouldn’t use a rifle to go dove hunting.  There is a similar strategy in a job search as well, but most people don’t pay any attention to the concept.  They take the shotgun approach thinking that more is better.  I know this to be true because as a Professional Recruiter, I see, week-in and week-out, the same person applying for multiple jobs on our website, applying for jobs when they don’t have even the basic qualifications listed.

This sends a bad signal to every recruiter for two different reasons.  First, it screams out desperation that you have applied to multiple jobs.  Second, we know that you aren’t qualified for all the jobs (sometimes none) you applied for that we have posted.  It makes us wonder if you even read the job posting at all.

We understand that you are “trying to cover all the bases,” but when you do that on a company website, you can jeopardize any opportunity you might have had.  This shotgun approach does you much dis-service because you have applied to multiple jobs where you are not a good fit.  It screams that you are desperate for any job and probably means that you are not going to be called on any job.

We know that you are wanting to cut to the chase and get a new job, we get it.  But… you will be much better served to find the right opportunity where you are a good fit.  When you find that posting, take the time to make sure you convey to the reader that you are the perfect candidate for them.

David (Mac) McElhaney

Managing Partner
Global Recruiters of Huntsville

www.grnhuntsville.com 

Phone: 256-533-1444 Ext 201

Fax: 256-418-4485

Mobile: 407-341-4462

Catch my Attention with a Great Job Description

Article after article talks about the need for job descriptions that are written to catch the reader’s attention- to say what’s in it for them.  But what is put out there to catch the next great employee is nothing more than the same-ole-thing.  Job descriptions that were written fifteen years ago, dusted off and used again.  Job descriptions that were written by some HR intern because they didn’t have anything for them to do and “it will be good practice for them.”

We are in a Candidate driven marketplace.  Top level candidates are in short supply.  The Top Talent are being called weekly and daily by multiple recruiters.  The Best of the Best have lots of options and are moving fast into new positions and so they are on the market one day and off the next.

If you are going to get their attention, you have to be creative.  It’s time to find those creative writing skills and tell a story.  Tell me why your company is so great that I need to beat a path to your door.  Tell me about your history, your mission, your code of ethics.  Tell me why you are different, why I want to work there (hint: why did you want to work there?).  What’s in it for them?  We tell candidates to write their resumes to tell you why you should hire them, now you tell the candidate why they should want to work for your company. Catch my attention with things like those, and you will keep my attention longer.  Tell me about the knowledge and skills needed, tell me about the duties and responsibilities and I’m outta here. 

David (Mac) McElhaney

Managing Partner
Global Recruiters of Huntsville

102 Clinton Ave, West

Suite 201

Huntsville, AL 35801

Phone: 256-533-1444 Ext 201

Fax: 256-418-4485

Mobile: 407-341-4462