This is the first feature in a monthly series that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our distinguished panel is:
What New Year resolution would you like to see job-seekers make in 2007?
Spell check!
Check resumes and cover letters for typos and grammatical errors. There is nothing worse than receiving a cover letter addressed to a different person in a different company, misspellings of my name or my company name, or obvious errors in a resume. I receive resumes and cover letters like this daily, and it is hard for a recruiter to stand by their candidate if so little precaution and attention to detail has been given prior to hitting the send button.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing
Go for your dream job
Continue to stay true to yourself. Hold out for the one job that really, really inspires you. If you're not in an ideal situation and haven't yet found a suitable alternative, take a class or join a new professional association, or take on different responsibilities within an association or volunteer role. Keep yourself stimulated and motivated with positive friends and colleagues who are good listeners and believe in your potential. Happy 2007!
-- Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures
Be honest
Please let your references know who they are so they are not surprised when called, make sure you have actually done what you claim on your resume, and don't try to inflate your current salary.
-- Anu Datta, executive recruiter, Korn/Ferry International
Focus your search
Far too many times, I see candidates applying to multiple positions on job boards (both internal and external). It gives the impression the candidate isn't focused on a role he or she is truly interested in. Do research and ask questions, then go for the one role you feel is truly the best match.
-- Bob Hancock, senior corporate recruiter, Electronic Arts
Practice interview etiquette
Arrive on time for the interview. Arrive early and make nice with the receptionist. Take a page from Nick Corcodilos' book, "Ask the Headhunter," and do the job in the interview. And finally, send thank-you notes to everyone involved in the interview process; you'd be surprised to learn how often this simple courtesy tips a decision in a close race.
-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio
