Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
After more than 30 years as an Atlanta-based recruiter, I can emphatically tell you that this is as real as it gets. In fact, I believe that if you don’t love what you do, you won’t ever feel that professional passion we all long for. You might not even reach your full career potential.
I’m doing exactly what I love. Every day, I serve Atlanta-based companies, medical practices and law offices by recruiting qualified administrative, marketing and sales talent, medical front and back office staff and paralegals.
Employers often call me when they’ve already tried to fill the position on their own and couldn’t find that perfect match. Or, they have an unadvertised position that requires a candidate rarely found on the job boards. Frankly, they’re depending on me to find you—immediately.
But together, we’ve noticed a big change in recruiting America’s youngest, brightest talent.
How can I say this delicately? Confidence is good; entitlement is not.
Some early careerists and new college graduates appear to have a different attitude toward their job searches. The conversation has shifted from demonstrating proven results to the concept of future potential. I hear things that indicate some candidates believe they deserve a certain job, salary or title versus documented facts that show they’ve earned the opportunity to be considered for a position. And above all, recruiters and employers are seeing a certain level of disrespect for or a lack of commitment to the recruitment process.
So what I’d like to say to you is this: let me help you to help yourself so that you land the job you want. And best of all, my services don’t cost candidates a dime.
Here are six things you need to do if you want to be considered for exclusive positions that are only available through recruiters:
- Be accessible. I understand I might catch you at a bad time and you can’t talk when I call. But with smart phones seemingly glued to our hands, why does it take hours or even days to hear back from candidates? If you’re interested in the role, please call, email or text me with a time you can speak. Then, I’ll know you’re interested before moving on to the next candidate. Recruiters move fast, so if you want to be considered, you’ll need to let me know immediately.
- Be honest. I expect candidates to tell me everything about their professional history. Why did you leave your last position? Have you been fired? Keeping information from me out of fear always comes to light, so it’s better to proactively address any negative spots on your resume.
- Be professional. I need to know why you are the right person for the job, and why I should present you to my client. If you are granted an interview, I need you to arrive early, dress conservatively and show proper respect. Above all, never no-show for an interview. If you can’t make it, please call me immediately.
- Be prepared. Candidates working with independent recruiters actually have an edge! We know what the employer is looking for, and we’ve seen the job description. I schedule time with candidates prior to an interview with the client to prep them for a successful meeting. I need you to do your part by making time for me, as well as doing some research on your own.
- Give feedback. Please follow up with me after you’ve interviewed with the client. The hiring manager will call me, so it’s essential I know your impression of the interview process.
- Take the job seriously. After all the energy candidates put into landing the job, why are they showing up late, checking their phones all day long or otherwise showing that the job is not their first priority at the moment? We both have a lot to lose if this happens. Plus, what are the chances I’ll want to place a candidate with this behavior into another role? Right. Not good.
Now is a great time in Atlanta for executive assistants, administrative assistants, medical front and back office personnel, billing and coding specialists and even sales people to find great jobs that will get you closer to your goals. If you’re interested in finding a new role, please visit my website at rgstaffing.net. Or you can email your resume to rosemary@rgstaffing.net.
Need help finding qualified candidates?
Let’s talk. You can reach me at 404.822.9392 or email me at rosemary@rgstaffing.net. For 30 years, I’ve been dedicated to helping companies, medical practices, law firms and creative agencies in Atlanta thrive by staffing them with the very best talent. I fill a variety of positions including executive assistants, receptionists, medical front office billing staff, as well as legal staff just to name a few. I look forward to helping you reach your goals.
