The Hunt for Quality Candidates Continues

Competition for jobs is stiff. There are more candidates than before, and clients are not willing to settle for second best. Clients are taking longer to make decisions and being very thorough. So, this is the time for you to compete with the best and win because you are the top candidate. To assure you are the candidate of choice, keep these tips in mind:

1. How closely do you fit the specs? Clients only want top-notch candidates.

 
2. Be cross-functional. Clients don’t just want strategists and implementers. Candidates with extra skills are able to tip the scales in their favor (financial interpreting, ability to communicate with IT staff, e.g.).

 
3. Right price range—don’t price yourself out of a job. Instead, be flexible about salary needs, if possible. Clients have tight budgets. If a position is priced at $100k and you are at $120k, your resume may not even be considered. You might ask yourself, why would I divulge my salary? The fact is, clients can tell, based on your experience, leadership, and staff supervisory expertise, where the corresponding salary might be. Also, there area benchmarks for salaries for every company.

 
4. Details count. You don’t want to be eliminated because of spelling, typos, etc. Take five extra minutes to proofread all materials.

 
5. Strategy and Implementation—clients seek candidates who excel at both. With fewer staff, companies are relying on candidates to do it all.

 
6. Positive attitude—can-do employees are highly valued. Need I say more?

 
7. Put in extra time. Your willingness to pitch in will be appreciated, especially in tight times.

 
8. Can you help save dollars? Budgets are tight. Top candidates are able to maximize existing resources and use negotiating skills to get more value for the company’s budget.

 
9. Find a niche and fill it. Is there a need in your department where you can make a difference? Can you become the go-to person? If your skills are valued, you are much less likely to be laid off.

 
10. Don’t work in a vacuum. Candidates who are visible, will be remembered when the time comes for promotions. Get out of your cube, and use your “soft skills” to your advantage.

 
11. Keep learning. Keep growing. Hone different skills (presentation, technology, negotiation, financial, leadership, e.g.).

 

2009 marks the 10th year of Lynn Hazan & Associates, a Chicago recruiting firm specializing in marketing and communications searches. The firm places candidates in full-time, part-time and temporary positions with agencies, corporations and non-profits. LH&A also offers a service for candidates called The Empowered Job Seeker, which provides one-on-one consulting to help candidates position themselves as the candidates of choice.

2009. Lynn Hazan & Associates. All rights reserved

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