I see common mistakes from executives ranging from reviewing the application, to applying, to the relationship with the recruiter. Therefore I have compiled a list of some “Don’t”s to bear in mind:
1. Don’t waste your time as well as the recruiters applying for jobs that you’re not suitable for – it looks untargeted, sloppy and desperate.
2. Don’t wait until you finish your job to start job hunting, it shouldn’t work like this but recruiters feel you are more desirable and you can always use the counter offer for leverage. Of course this may be out of your hands so make sure you get a positive story out of any situation.
3. Don’t be economical with information or with circumstance – this can work against you and lose trust with your contacts. Be open about compensation at flexibility and this avoids wasting everyones time
4. Don’t send untailored applications or covering letters, this again looks sloppy and half-hearted and an untargeted application will not maximise your chances against the competition.
5. Don’t be vague on experience and achievements, be direct and offer tangibles – make the headhunters job easier to place you and again their not a career counsellor.
6. Don’t think the headhunter is a career advisor, far from it – headhunters work for their client not you and so make no assumptions that they are scouring the market for opportunities for you. We offer executive career consultancy so get in touch with us
7. Don’t abuse your digital footprint – assume everything written or tagged will be seen. This is not a hard and fast rule (I employed a pink fairy) but you want to limit prejudice and preconceptions.
8. Don’t pester the HR or search executive – gentle reminders every so often are important but constant updates will not make you a good candidate
Have a productive week…