We all know the standard qualifications hiring managers look for when interviewing to fill a position. Reviewing a candidate’s skill set, communication skills, work ethic, and culture fit are all key aspects when determining if an individual is the right fit for the role and for the organization. So how do you, as the candidate, stand out above the crowd? Sammy Hobgood, Principal Recruiter at Whitley Recruiting had this to say about breaking those barriers to get your dream job.
The first thing to note is that candidates must realize their candidacy begins before they even begin a job search. Upscaling your hard skills through continuous training and learning will position you to be ready to ramp up quickly in a new position. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who show dedication to self-improvement and growth, as this reflects positively on their work ethic and commitment.
By consistently honing your skills and expanding your knowledge base, you demonstrate that you are proactive in staying ahead of industry trends and developments. This proactive approach not only sets you apart from other applicants but also shows employers that you are someone who is willing to go the extra mile to excel in your role. If employers can see that you would quickly deliver results during your first three to six months on the job, and certainly within your first year, then you are someone they would want in their organization.
Today there is more limited viability in the marketplace so a qualified salesperson needs to have subject matter expertise, come with good training, and need to have put themselves into the upper percentile within a certain subject matter. Preparing yourself for the next season of your career even before the transition feels necessary allows you to present qualifications with appropriate measurements.
Finding the Next Position (even before you know you want it!)
We’ve all heard that “networking is key”. Roll your eyes and now listen. It’s true. Networking is one of the most important activities for you as a candidate and even before you are engaged in job searching. You never know what person might walk into your life who may hold some special connection that will bring value and growth to your life and career.
If you are in a sales position, you should be in networking mode constantly. If you are a tech professional looking to move into tech sales, you may need to step out of your comfort zone to network but it will be well worth the anxiety!
Find an event to attend. Watch LinkedIn, check Eventbrite, and search for events that tie in with your areas of interest or are sponsored by companies where you would like to work. Make a list of people you want to learn from or meet and be where they will be. Step up, introduce yourself, have a conversation, connect on LinkedIn, and find them again.
Working with a Recruiter
Working with a recruiter is a time investment that allows you to connect to multiple employment opportunities. An experienced recruiter will also help you define your career goals, what type of culture is a good fit for you, and the industries where your skills could be applied. The bonus is they will reach out to you as opportunities develop in the future that match your profile and career interests and these could be opportunities you may not have known about. The recruiter should also be able to help you navigate the interview process by providing insight into the organization, available position, culture, etc. This personalized approach ensures that every step of your job search journey is guided by their expertise and connections in the industry. Trusting your recruiter can make all the difference in finding the perfect job match for your unique skill set and career aspirations.
The first impression is important but the second and third impressions are what last.
But you have a responsibility as a candidate as well.
A recruiter has the employer’s needs in mind as well. Do you have the skills the employer is looking for? Will you fit into the organization’s culture? Have you been timely in your responses to the recruiter? Are you fully engaged in the process and have a genuine interest in the opportunity? Are you willing to learn and grow or are you just content with the status quo? A recruiter is making an assessment on each of these components when meeting with you because, after all, you will be a reflection of the recruiter to his client.
The recruiter will share the good points and the negatives of the job opportunity for full transparency. How you respond to this information speaks volumes as to your eligibility for a particular position. A recruiter, or hiring manager, looks at your work history to determine if you have that “stick-to-the-job” attitude. Do you weather the storm when things get tough or do you jump ship for another opportunity?
An employer wants to know if you will stay with them for the long term to complete a project or achieve the annual goals. Remember, you are crafting a story of ‘self’ with your resume and need to show some fortitude in your work history. Employers, hiring managers, and recruiters look for resilience as well as skill and work ethic but most important are commitment and integrity.
- Show you are responsible.
- Know your values and stick to them.
- Can you be trusted to do what you say you are going to do?
- Build a strong reputation and stand by it.
If you change your course during a job search journey, walk with integrity and let the recruiter, hiring manager or employer know. Ghosting someone during this process is unacceptable. Do not let that be a part of who you are.
Warren Buffet says it all when he advises leaders to weigh integrity above all traits when assessing job candidates during the interview process. He says,
“We look for three things when we hire people. We look for intelligence, we look for initiative or energy, and we look for integrity. And if they don’t have the latter, the first two will kill you, because if you’re going to get someone without integrity, you want them lazy and dumb.”
Employers put a great deal of weight on integrity. You can train for skill, but you can’t train for integrity. Make it your personal core value. Be the candidate with integrity and you will be the candidate that stands above the others.
Are you looking to elevate your candidate journey and secure your dream job? Look no further than Whitley Recruiting. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate through the process with ease and confidence. Trust in Whitley Recruiting to be by your side every step of the way.
Contact us today.
