Written by Chris Kelleher, Managing Director at Stern Recruiting
As a recruiter, I have learned what helps candidates stand out. Here’s practical advice to help you shine in your job search. These 10 tips are strategic, sometimes unconventional, and always focused on helping you succeed.
I’ve broken them into four key stages: Get the Interview, Preparation, Interview, and Follow-Up.
Get the Interview
1. Stay Positive and Engage with Others. Job hunting can be challenging. Surround yourself with peers and mentors who energize you. Network with groups like Never Search Alone, attend local events, reconnect with respected former colleagues. Positive interactions, whether virtual or in person, can open unexpected doors. Connecting with recruiters provides valuable insights and access to roles that may not be publicly posted.
2. Apply to Fewer Jobs—But Make Them Count. A spray and pray approach won’t work. Focus on roles that align with your experience, tailor your applications, and leverage your network. Remember 70% of jobs are filled through connections. A well-connected recruiter can help you tap into hidden opportunities and get your resume in front of decision-makers faster than applying online ever will.
3. Ditch the Green “Open to Work” Label. This might be controversial, but the green label has become a red flag for recruiters. Many candidates with it apply to roles they aren’t qualified for. Instead, talk to a recruiter about how to position yourself effectively. Optimize your profile with industry-specific keywords, update your headline to reflect your expertise, and build relationships. Targeted networking is far more effective.
4. Dust Off Your Resume and Update the Content. Review and refine your resume to tailor it to job descriptions. AI tools can help but can sometimes exaggerate accomplishments or fabricate details so don’t just copy and paste. Work with a recruiter to get their input as they know what hiring managers look for and can ensure your resume stands out for the right reasons.
Preparation
5. Don’t Skimp on the Research. Do Deep-Dive Research. I know this is a ‘no shit Sherlock’ kind of tip, but you’d be amazed how many candidates skip the basics, let alone the in-depth research that makes you stand out. This article has a good list of items to research. If you’re working with a recruiter, ask them about the hiring process, team dynamics, and what the hiring manager actually cares about. They can give you insights you won’t find online.
6. Prep for Behavioral Questions and Get a Recruiter’s Input. Behavioral questions often start with “Tell me about a time when…” Your responses should showcase problem-solving skills, adaptability, and impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure compelling answers. If you have a recruiter, leverage their expertise to refine your responses. They can help you highlight the nuances hiring managers care about.
Interview
7. Be Crisp and Clear on Your Resume and Help Recruiters Help You. Ensure your experience is clearly articulated, especially if your job titles don’t fully convey your responsibilities. Recruiters and hiring managers need to see:
- Leadership Experience: Specify whether you functioned as a leader or an individual contributor if your title is ambiguous.
- Scope of Work: Highlight key accomplishments and responsibilities that define your impact in past roles.
- Team Collaboration Mention how you worked with cross-functional teams, clients, or stakeholders. If a recruiter is advocating for you, clear and concise details help them position you effectively.
8. Own Your Story – Strengths and Weaknesses. Be honest about your gaps and confident in your strengths. If you lack direct experience in a particular area, connect the dots to show how your background equips you to handle similar challenges. Employers value adaptability and strategic problem-solving.
Follow-Up
9. Send a Thoughtful Thank You Note and Keep Your Recruiter in the Loop. Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email that references something specific from the interview. This shows engagement and reinforces your interest. If a recruiter helped facilitate the interview, let them know how it went. They may have valuable feedback from the hiring team or be able to reinforce your candidacy.
10. Follow Up Without Being Annoying. Companies can go quiet for various reasons including internal delays, shifting priorities, or unexpected business changes. If you don’t hear back after a week, send a polite follow-up expressing continued interest. If a recruiter submitted you for the role, check in with them as they may have updates that haven’t been communicated to candidates.
Final Thought
Job hunting can be frustrating but it’s also an opportunity to take your career in a new and better direction. Focus on what you can control, lean on your network, and stay persistent. With the right strategy and preparation, you’ll land a role that aligns with your expertise and aspirations.
Got questions or tips to share? Send me a note, I’d love to hear from you! ckelleher@sternrecruiting.com
#careers #jobseekers
