5 Things that Annoy Recruiters (that you should avoid doing!)

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a job offer? It’s possible, you know. We’re in an upturn right now, which means that there are a lot of people clamouring for new staff. There are ample opportunities out there right now.

Of course, if you’re going to apply for a job, then you do need to make sure you’ve got the best chances of getting it. There are a lot of factors in play. How good is your job history? Have you managed to write up a high-quality CV and cover letter to represent what you know?

And then, of course, there are the recruiters.

Are you making their lives as easy as possible and thereby boosting your job opportunities or are you annoying them; diminishing your chances?

If you’re not sure, here are some surefire signs that you’re in the latter camp:

Your CV and cover letter have funky formatting

The last thing a recruiter  wants to receive is a piece of paper on their desk that doesn’t follow the formatting they’re used to. That will take checking whether somebody has the right qualifications from a few seconds down to agonising minutes. Furthermore, it will not be pleasant on the eyes and show you to be sloppy.

So, follow regular CV formatting. Also, try to stay away from weird colored paper and ink. A splash of colour is ok, but generally aim to stick to high contrasting white paper and black ink.

Also, avoid spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes. If you don’t, the thinking will be ‘they weren’t even careful enough to correct their CV. What does that say about how careful they are going to be when they’re actually working here?’

You keep emailing or calling them

If they told you they’ll get in touch, then you’re going to have to wait about a week for them to do so. If you’re really in a hurry, then you can send a follow-up email or make a follow-up call explaining that after a few days. But if that doesn’t provoke an immediate reaction, then you need to be patient.

There are processes that they need to go to and decisions often take time to percolate through the many layers of staff that are often involved. You messaging and calling isn’t going to change that.

You don’t answer the phone/ respond to emails

On the contrary, if you are impossible to reach, you could find yourself missing out on great opportunities and thoroughly annoying recruiters.

Show you are keen by keeping your mobile on and close at all times (within reason!). If you do miss a call, call back as soon as you can. Check your emails a few times a day so you can strike whilst the iron’s hot.

You act unappreciative or like a know-it-all

People like to be appreciated. That’s a trait you’ll find pretty much across all of us. That includes recruiters. Thank them for their time and for putting you forward, and if you felt they are doing a good job, recommend them to friends. This will ensure they remember you as a positive appreciate candidate and will continue to put roles your way. 

Showing up late

Hey, it happens to us all. Sometimes we get caught in traffic. Sometimes a bus doesn’t run. The difference is, some of us calculate that into our schedule by adding rubber time and some of us don’t.

For an interview, you’ve got to belong to the former team. Leave thirty minutes early and if everything runs smoothly, wait at a nearby coffee shop or browse the shops. Then walk in five minutes early and wait for them to see you. Sure, they might leave you waiting, but that’s better than the other way around. After all, your time might be valuable, but getting the job will be even more so.

If you will arrive a bit late, call up and let them know. They will appreciate being told in advance.

Follow the golden rule

The best approach to a recruiter is imagining what it would be like in the rules were reversed and you would be really busy. Would you appreciate whatever you’re about to do or would it get under your skin?

If you apply that logic to every decision you’ll make, you’ll be alright. If you don’t, well then even in this economy you’ll struggle to find a job.

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