Recrutiers! Do we realize the power we hold?  I recently had a conversation with a newbie recruiter, talking about the responsibility we hold being in our roles.  Not only are we “wanted” or viewed as an individual’s “lifeline” but we hold the key to a person’s livelihood in a lot of cases.   As well, I will acknowledge, the cases (a very small number) in which we are simply pains in the neck. 

Looking at a resume and not seeing the skills you are searching for can be a dead end for the candidate, and I know, myself being overwhelmed at times with positions, we don’t have time to call everyone and if they don’t have it, they don’t have it.  BUT, if they have “some of it” call them, ask the questions, so many people don’t put everything on their resume and don’t realize the importance of the skills they haven’t listed.  That of course, is when you find out that no, they don’t have it for that particular position, but they are qualified for a different position that was on my backburner.  Or you find out they really want to be in a certain area, and we can look for that as well.   

Lately, looking for a few candidates with a medium level of expertise, for a medium level position, only finding new graduates with no work experience to high level candidates with years and years of experience, called and called knowing these candidates were out of my salary range.  But again, talking to see if they knew anyone or networking to get my name out there so they would talk to people in their field.  And again, you never know who is willing and able to take a position because of so many unknown factors, i.e. retiring, relocation, etc. 

I know in my personal situation when I was actively looking for a new opportunity, I relied deeply on the first person to see my resume, and with not knowing who that person was or the ability they had to call me, or send on my resume, or to discard it… was always a concern.  When I reached one of my goals (masters degree) I thought wow, I hold the power, but again relying on people that I have never met and probably won’t meet, the lack of responses and the flooding of responses from generic postings was unsettling.  What do they want?  How do I get them to respond?  So many “overqualified” responses or none I got back.   As I have realized, most people need different versions of their resume.  Do I take the masters degree off?  Again, now I understand the importance of talking to a candidate to see what or they have or do not have.   

As we all know there are many professional contractors that are constantly working that have there names out and don’t worry about the next position.  But there are many individuals looking that rely deeply on us for their next position that may be their life long career dream.  So when looking at a resume, or speaking with a candidate, think of your own lifeline dangling out there online, with no responses or the automatic responses of jobs that are generic that have nothing to do with your dreams or desires.   

As the old saying goes “live and learn” well, that is my philosophy.  As I go through life, being a recruiter, realizing the power I have is crucial not only to myself, but to an array of people from all different backgrounds, locations, and skill sets.  I can be their key to their next position that may lead them to a career of a lifetime or a temporary position that will enhance their skills.    

What can I do for them?  I once called a candidate regarding an entry level position that it looked like a good fit but the title in the resume was misspelled.  Which almost ended the candidate’s chance, but I called anyway.  We spoke, the position was not a good fit, but I advised her about the error.  She was so thankful, and she went in and changed the error immediately.  I wonder how many opportunities she missed because of the error.  I may have changed her life.  That is the power we hold.  Use it!