Recruiters have it in their best interest that you have a good experience during the application and interview process. However, as much as they genuinely want the best for you, there are some things that they just can't share.
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Not only do we want you to find your dream job and build a successful career, but also arm you with all the relevant skills, tools, and secrets — secrets that recruiters don't bring to your attention that can give you an edge over other job seekers.
Don’t get it wrong. Recruiters have it in their best interest that you have a good experience during the application and interview process. However, as much as they genuinely want the best for you, there are some things that they just can't share. Not to worry, though. Below are some of the things that recruiters don't want you to know as a job seeker.
1. They stalk your recent social media posts
Before you hit send on that email or job application, you should look over your social media activity. A potential employer can learn everything they need to know about you through your digital presence without ever meeting you.
According to Alan Weatherbee, senior vice president of talent search for Allison+Partners, “hiring managers are reviewing social media pages to become educated about the background and brand the person is articulating and to look for red flags. They aren’t using it to find ways not to hire someone who is qualified, but to make sure they present themselves in an accurate way.”
Employers want to learn about the real you, not just the professional side you reveal on your CV and during interviews. Count on them to conduct a full Google search on you and look through your Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Experts advise that your social media profiles should be in sync with what you are saying on your CV, cover letter, and other job application materials. Steer clear of any political comments, inflammatory statements, or anything else that might upset the person who could very well be holding your future in their hands.
2. How you respond to ‘open-ended’ questions matters
What motivates you? Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert? What makes you unique? Which kind of work environment do you thrive in? Why should we hire you? What do you think we should do differently? These open-ended interview questions sound harmless, but don't be deceived.
Recruiters ask these questions to see if you'll fit in well with the company's work environment. If you say something that is not in line with what the interviewer is looking for, it will drastically reduce your chances of being recruited. Therefore, your interviewing skills need work. You don't want to be selected for that all-important interview and then not contacted afterward.
3. They undercut the initial salary offer
Let's face it. Employers don’t want to shell out more than they have to. After all, their company is a business, and as such, they have operating expenses that must be met. If the salary is negotiable, kicking things off with the highest bid would be counterproductive.
In most cases, their initial salary offer is not at the top of their pay range, and the amount of wiggle room you have will depend on the bill rate. That being the case, knowing your worth is important as you progress through the final phase of the hiring process.
Knowing how much you're worth in the job market will enable you to be in a better position to negotiate a higher salary than the one they initially offered. When all is said and done, remember to always value a good job experience over money.
4. Your first impression really is a big deal
Everything begins with a first impression, so make the most of it. Only a small percentage of hiring managers are able to get past a candidate's poor initial impression. Disappointing behaviors such as unanswered phone calls, bad manners, and careless answers during interviews can hinder your chance of progressing to the next phase of the recruiting process.
“Interviewers often care more about the likability of entry-level candidates than whether or not they’re actually qualified for the job,” says career coach Peter Yang.
It's only natural that the individual conducting your interview would prefer to work with someone they like and want to learn from. Having a positive rapport with your interviewer is essential to a successful job interview. Rather than answering queries in a monotonous fashion, try to show off your great personality.
5. They did a background check on you
If you've not heard of the term “backdoor references” or “back-channeling,” it refers to employers contacting people they know to gain their honest opinion of a job applicant.
Backdoor references can disclose scandals, misconduct, or anything you refused to mention with or without providing a reference. They consult their own network of contacts to locate a former coworker to gain an unbiased opinion about you. This strategy is particularly useful if it appears that you left your previous workplace on questionable grounds. For example, if you claim to have been laid off, but it appears that you were actually fired.
In conclusion
If you find yourself in any of these situations, it's likely that the right opportunity has yet to present itself to you. Maintain a professional approach at all times when speaking with a recruiter. Your words should have a purpose and be well-considered.
The secrets that recruiters retain are retained for the company's benefit, not because they are trying to be intentionally harmful.
If you don't get the call back from a position you applied for, don’t despair. There are plenty of other job opportunities out there, and the one that best suits you is just a few clicks away.
