It is time to get aggressive in your job search. This is advice I have given to many friends over the last year. The candidate that expresses interest and desire along with aptitude and skill will be the one that moves forward in the process. We all know this, but candidates need to be reminded every time. It is part of the consulting that recruiters offer to those they present and deem a good fit for any position they are trying to fill.

I just spent about a half hour going over this with a candidate that was lacking confidence and whose demeanor was less than excited. Yet, she shared with me, in private, that she really liked the position and not only that, but she really needed the job. I reminded her that sometimes taking a proactive approach in one's own search is just what is need to get a resume at the top of the stack.

It is a scary time for the unemployed and job seeker. We need to keep this in mind as we read through resumes and talk to potential candidates. Even when conducting a direct recruitment, potentials and passives are leery to jump ship where they are gainfully employed. It is now more difficult to work that sales magic that recruiters have to have in order to convince a contact to simply take a look at a job description and company package, let alone submit a resume.

We spend so much time working on our own psychiatry that it is sometimes easy to forget the candidates'. As well, when speaking with clients or hiring managers, fully engaging means understanding their specific needs and meeting them. The recruiter's own job and/or fee hangs in the balance should this be forgotten and personal desperation take over. Keep the client first and be an advocate for the candidate.

Recruiters sometimes end up being the black sheep of the HR family. Why? Because of those that mar the reputation of the industry with sleazy tactics and lack of follow through. Take the reputation back. Give, because the return will be great. A preserved job: your own. A happy and satisfied client who will call you first next time. A placement in your books, and candidates that will return your call. And a fee/paycheck. What more could you want?

© by rayannethorn